Photo by Valerie Everett via Flickr.
A team in New Jersey was asked, “What happens when leaders honor the fact that an employee has a personal life outside of the workplace?”
A tall man named Tim answered: “When I know that you care about what I care about, that helps me care more about what you care about.”
The room was quiet. (Simple but profound statements do that.)
Tim offered an example. He pointed at the senior leader in the room and said, “We once sat together at a corporate dinner and you asked me about my family and my work in Africa. I’ll never forget that. It meant a lot to me that you cared. And the fact that you’ve since referenced the information you gained in that conversation means even more.”
Here’s information that makes Tim’s insight even more compelling: This team is delivering double-digit growth. Is it a coincidence? How much does it affect business results when you have leaders who care about the lives of the people delivering the results?
Tim later added a key: “I’m not talking about the nice things we say and ask when an employee starts. I’m talking about working for someone for 14 years. All that time, bosses make it obvious what’s important to them: metrics, improving sales, quality, market growth – the list goes on.”
“But do you know what’s important to me?”
Please share below: what’s important to you?
Whats important to me; truth and respect.
and John, you live truth and respect deeply. you are an inspiration to me! s
Its important to me that my family is happy
On the tail end of spending 5 of the last 8 weeks in Switzerland on business travel. Writing this on the plane in Geneva as I await to depart for home. What’s importAnt? First and foremost my wonderful family that has been so supportive. I can’t do what I do without them. Second, seeing my team of colleagues hit home run after home run as they all spent a week or two with me and our global HQ partners. Third, spending time with new colleagues, making new friends from all around the world. Fourth, having spirited, but forward focused discussions that really moved two major projects forward. But most important by far is that this afternoon I will get to experience something we take for granted every day…walking into MY home where
I was promised last night on the phone that big hugs await. Enjoy your trip home tonight.
The is the Ray Lindner that inspires our Pathways team to the top, and everybody around you! You live deep from your heart. Steve
What is important to me…I once read that “How are you” is a greeting not a salution. I disagree. I truly want to know how someone is doing. I think in this hussle and bussle world we sometimes forget that people have a life outside of work and may be dealing with some very stressful situations. Those items can be an illness in the family, a loss of a loved one, financial issues. We once was taught that you don’t bring in personal problems to the work place but I disagree to some extent. I think if our boss ask we should feel comfortable to tell. What he/she comments on after listening to you will tell you how good and caring of a boss is he/she! I think a good characteristic to have is to truly show that you are interested in their well being. I also believe that remembering those conversations are also a big plus and puts an A+ in my book for that particular boss.