Don’t Care For People (If)

By Joseph Tan

Source: Leaderonomics

Be a People-Feeler

This is part 2 of a 3-part series on the non-negotiable roles of a leader. The role we are focusing on this week is that of being a People-Feeler. Because leaders work through people, there is no escaping the reality of dealing with real-life feelings. In fact, dealing with feelings and emotions is a huge part of the leader’s role.

Feelings have a way of affecting one’s perspective of reality and if we do not care enough to care for how people feel, it is no wonder people come to work with their hands and feet but not with their mind and hearts.  

Firstly, to care means the commitment to offer the gift of time. It requires that we become less busy and more sensitive. People say that ‘time is money’ but in my opinion, time is worth more than money because it requires that you be willing to make space in your busy work schedule and prioritise time for people instead of projects, relationships instead of just results.

Secondly, to care means the commitment to offer the gift of attentiveness. It requires that we give less solutions and ask more questions. Being attentive to a fellow human being is a personal gift, it is about being present (not just physically but also emotionally). The key is to listen well.

See Also: Clever or Tender? Four Types of Active Listening

Thirdly, to care means the commitment to offer the gift of involvement. It requires that we have less talk and more commitment. People are more than just their roles, they also have a soul – how well do you know your colleagues or team members on a personal level? What goes on in their lives will inevitably affect the quality of their work.

Compassion is defined as ‘investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others’. How are you doing today in demonstrating compassion in your role as a People-Feeler? 

Check out the video and find out –your leadership depends on it.