Check Not Checkers

Leadership is a lifetime commitment that will require us to be around people a lot. We will have to nurture diverse kinds of relationships with people who have different backgrounds. However, if there is one thing I am certain we all have in common, it is a desire to feel valued. When we meet people in a professional setting, we can lose sight of who they are because we get so focused on the work that they do.

If we are to nurture the habit of emotional intelligence that is necessary for taking our leadership to the next level, we might have to put some extra effort into getting to know our team and other people we meet beyond the surface. Sometimes, a daily “how are you doing today?” can build the trust and loyalty needed for the relationship.

Other times, it can look like giving them the opportunity for leadership feedback. This might have to be done anonymously to ensure more people participate honestly. Giving people the opportunity to communicate with you about how you interact with them shows that you value them, and they will repay that value.

People are gifts, not game pieces. Make sure they know that.

How are you doing?

Courtney