I don’t have to tell you that if you are going to effectively influence people you must care for them and they must know that you care.
I generally struggle demonstrating my care for others. It’s not that I don’t care about people – in fact, I’m a deeply compassionate person. I simply don’t always communicate in a way that adequately expresses my love and care.
I recently observed three key characteristics of leaders who genuinely care for their teams. Here they are:
1. Patience
Patience doesn’t come easy for me. Why? I am intensely passionate. It’s difficult to demonstrate patience while ignoring the appropriate balance between patience and the urgency that my passion demands.
Kristen Robertson suggested that leaders must demonstrate patience because they work with people, not machines. People have quirks and are reluctant to change. People have pet projects and play favorites. And people like comfort. To gain momentum with people, patience is required.
Here’s what I am learning – passion without patience is just plain rude! And who wants to go through life like that?
2. Kindness
Kindness isn’t easy for me either. I struggle with kindness because kindness requires that I slow down long enough to think about those around me. To grow in this area, I’ve had to become very intentional about showing kindness.
I started at home – being very intentional with acts of kindness to my beautiful wife, Sarah, and amazing daughter, Madison. I am also consciously working on this with my team. As I demonstrate kindness to those with whom I am most familiar and those who know me best, I am better equipped to lead.
3. Loyalty
Mike Myatt wrote: What is rightfully earned and freely given will always outlast what is imprudently acquired for the wrong reasons. Great leaders foster trust, respect, and loyalty rather than instilling fear through demands.
Loyalty matters. Leaders who are loyal to the team, are far more likely to lead a loyal tribe.
Caring leadership involves more than raw emotion – pure passion won’t cut it. As a matter of fact, these three characteristics found in effective leaders require discipline that goes well beyond emotion. You can’t care without significant discipline. And passion without discipline is just plain rude!
Question: How has a leader shown you or your team that they care? Share your experience in the comments.
LOYALTY is key, leaders must show loyalty to their team
Great thoughts! Thank you.
The first two items, in my view, are even more important than the 3rd – without them, loyalty is not even registered.
Good point Brad! If there’s no loyalty, then the patience and kindness are superficial. Enjoy your day!