If you run an organization, how often do you think about this question? While it's not a question that comes up often in conversations, it has everything to do with success. The more you care as a leader, the more your employees will feel a part of something. When people in your organization know you care, they will follow you anywhere.
Can it be this simple? You mean, as a manager, all I need to do is tell my employees that I care and all is good? You know that isn't the case. However, I do think we make it harder than it needs to be. 'Belonging, according to John Maxwell in his book "Becoming a Person of Influence", is the most basic of human needs'. He goes on to explain that when leaders go out of their way to make people feel they are a part of something, people feel important and included.
Employees are important to our organizations but all too often we leave it up to them to sense their own importance. We make all kinds of assumptions about how well that employee is fitting in, how happy they are, what they like about the company.
What can you do every day to show your employees you care? How about identifying two to three people to encourage each month? Send a short handwritten note every week. Make yourself accessible to these people. Give of your time without expecting something in return. Or think of one person you've had a negative attitude about lately and find a quality you like, sit down and talk to him or her about that quality. Open a dialogue and find ways to strengthen that relationship.
People need to feel a part of something. It's your job as a leader to make sure each employee feels valued. Start today. Stay focused on it. I know you care. Make sure your employees know it also.
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