Leaders have an amazing opportunity to fingerprint the lives of those they lead. This is done through the power of valuing people. Before you can lead, direct, inspire, motivate, and guide the value of people goes far beyond any key performance measure. The ability to see people as unique individuals gifted with skills, talents, and abilities for the purpose of making a significant contribution to your organization and society is imperative. The ability to value people serves as what I call the “X” factor in leading others. Today we live in a world where people increasingly have a need and expectation to be valued. If you want to have an impact on those you lead or if you want to be effective in the lives you lead, then possess the “X” factor. The “X” is a game changer, and it is contrary to widespread belief, but it is the difference maker. It is the difference between being a good leader versus being an outstanding leader. Why because vision, strategy, execution and so forth cannot happen without someone conducting the vision, executing the actions needed to fulfill the vision. Thus, this all comes through human capital, which are people. The marketplace is extremely competitive and to gain an edge makes valuing people your first priority and you will achieve immeasurable success. Research shows that when employees feel valued, they are more engaged and committed to their work, fostering a stronger organizational culture. Here are three simple but impactful ways to value those you lead or those around you.
Recognize their worth: Everyone on your team has unique skills that are considered their strengths. Their giftedness and talents make them great at something. Whether it is their ability to communicate, their technical skills, their ability to solve problems, or their financial savviness makes them great, the point is everyone has been designed and given a set of talents and abilities that are considered their strengths. As a leader, ways you can acknowledge and recognize your team for an excellent job is by sending an email, making an announcement in a team meeting, or verbally speaking directly to that person. It makes an enormous difference. For example, when you see those skills displayed take the moment to tell that person an excellent job of solving the problem with one of our loyal clients. It is that simple. Do not think for one minute your words as their leader does not matter but your words carry weight and mean a great deal to those you led. You will be surprised when you take time to recognize the work of those you lead through recognizing their worth by recognizing their skills and talents displayed.
Show appreciation: To show appreciation is another method of valuing those you lead or those you work with. When people feel like they are appreciated they will go the extra mile while making certain the job they conduct is done with an elevated level of excellence. It is something as small as a handwritten note, team appreciation day, offering a verbal thank you, small tokens of appreciation, a team outing, and the list goes on. The point is to do something and never assume that your team knows you appreciate them and their hard work and dedication. The relationship between you and your team is important. Thus, like any other relationship you must show that you are appreciative of them.
Show Respect: Respect is something that you must earn through respecting those you lead and those around you. Respect can have the most lasting effect on a working relationship, especially when times are difficult. To respect those, you lead is to treat them how you would like to be treated. How would you like to be spoken to, how would you like to be approached, how would you like for someone to give you a listening ear, how would you like for someone to show you empathy, how would you like for someone to trust you to make good decisions, and the list goes on. Respect is to engage and interact with those you lead and others with an elevated level of professional and personal decorum that yields an exchange of added value.
In closing I ask that you consider the “X” factor of leadership; recognizing your team members’ worth in that of their skills and talents, show them appreciation, if you do not, someone else will and finally show respect by communicating and engaging in a respectful manner.
Question to consider: Do you possess the “X” Factor of leadership?
If you need assistance or support as a leader, feel free to reach out to E3 Leadership Institute, (www.e3leadershipinstitute.com) we are here to serve you. Inspiring leaders to lead with purpose and passion!