“Braggarts build themselves up, jealous people tear others down, but only loving people builds others up.” ― Alexander Strauch
We tend to overcomplicate good leadership. It’s like adding more ingredients to my son’s delicious chocolate chip cookie recipe when the simplest of ingredients are what make it best. Based on all of my many years of leading and from great conversations with owners from other organizations and great employees from various organizations serving in diverse roles, success within a Team really begins with LOVE! A genuine love for your people and to see to it that they are set up to succeed in their personal and professional lives.
There is a major difference between motivation and inspiration. As leaders, we are not there to simply motivate our people. To a certain degree, that must come from within the team member. When you motivate, you essentially “ignite” the fire under an employee. Where as with inspiration, it is creating that fire from within the individual, so that they feel energized and confident about driving the mission forward. A great path to achieving this is by connecting the dots of where a Team Member is today, and where they wan’t to be tomorrow!
Does your organization have a similar mission – to love the people first, and do business second? It makes sense philosophically, but it’s also good business advice. I have been found saying this on many occasions, we are in the business of loving and serving our people, and our people are in the business of serving our client’s needs!
It’s no secret that a positive culture is essential for any successful organization, but too often, leaders forget the importance of creating a culture of love and appreciation. This can lead to a lack of employee engagement and morale, which can have a ripple effect on productivity and engagement. The most successful businesses are those that foster an atmosphere of love and appreciation. Employees need to feel valued and appreciated for their work and effort if they’re going to be motivated to do their best.
What are some ways you create a culture of love in your organization? I thought you’d never ask. Well, for starters… Begin with genuinely loving your people! In addition, here are a few takeaway points to consider…
1. Intentionally and continuously show appreciation and recognition for the good work of your people.
2. Lead with empathy and understanding. Seek to truly understand the person before lending advice.
3. Show consistency in your support and communication.
4. Promote collaboration and open dialogue amongst your Team.
5. Create an environment of trust and respect.
Remember, we are to celebrate successes, hold team-building activities, and reward employees for their hard work. By creating a culture of love and appreciation, your people will be more productive and motivated to do their BEST work and be all-in. Leading with a culture of love and appreciation is essential for ANY organization that wants to get to the next level. Whether you have two employees, or two hundred — By recognizing your team’s efforts, creating an environment of support, fostering collaboration, and building a sense of community, you’ll be sure to create a positive and productive culture that will benefit your team and your business.
As a leader, it’s important to show your people that you truly care by recognizing their efforts and giving praise where and when it is deserved. Make sure to thank your employees continuously for their hard work, and encourage them to share their ideas and successes. Remember, they are choosing to work for your business. Any one with a positive work ethic could get a job anywhere! Why should they serve your mission? People will give their time up for a paycheck – But they will give their hearts to an organization that they feel valued, loved, and appreciated!
Here is what I know – Even from back working from the driveway on Atlas Rd, to where we are at now in our journey… No one wants to be managed, but all people of value want to be led and inspired. Our people deserve to be led well. Leadership is a gift we are given that has the potential to impact lives if we start from the right place. When you take the time to LOVE and connect with your Team, you are showing them that you are genuinely interested in their well-being and success. Remember — when you stop LOVING people, you stop LEADING people!