10 Tips for Caring Leadership

As I write this post the world is still in the midst of a pandemic, people are stressed and tired. They need caring leadership from you more now than ever! 

Caring leadership creates people who want to work for you. Staff who will go the extra mile. Caring leaders are genuinely interested in their people.

These are my tips for being a caring leader:

1. Be visible - Even if you can't see your people in person, don't hide behind your screen.
2. Communicate regularly - Contact your people often to check in. Call, text, zoom - use a variety of ways to check in both formally and informally. I recommend contacting them daily. Be proactive in reaching out to them.
3. Be compassionate - Your people need to hear things like "That's normal to feel that way", "I'm listening to you", "I care", "Thank you", "What do you think?", and "Let's talk about that further".
4. Set clear goals - Don't make any assumptions, work with each person to set priorities and realistic goals. Check in with them on how things are coming along, Ask them if they need any assistance. 
5. Tell the truth - Tell them what you can. Tell them what you don't know or can't tell them. Don't "sugar-coat" the message - give them the real numbers and situation. Your people are adults and can handle the truth.
6. Remain positive and calm - Don't panic, be as positive as you can but stay realistic. 
7. Encourage and reward creativity - Let your team make mistakes and reward creative solutions. If you set an environment where it's safe to make mistakes they will be more creative and productive.
8. Balance between people's needs and business needs - Remind your staff that's it's normal to feel emotions, especially during stressful times. Be realistic about what you can expect from them. Ensure they are working on the highest priority projects.
9. Listen - Truly listen to what your people are saying (and not saying) to you. Ask questions in an open manner. Try to understand the emotions and values that are underlying what they are saying. Ask for their input and ideas.
10. Use Systems Thinking - Ensure that a decision today isn't going to cause problems with another team or your team in the future. Look at the entire organization and try to imagine how others will react. This will reduce unintended consequences, stress and wasted time in the future.

Caring leaders are respectful, attentive and effective communicators. They demonstrate that they care about employees for who they are as people, not just for the work they do. 

Caring leaders create an environment where people want to contribute. Where they feel their talents are appreciated. And therefore, more motivated and engaged. 

If you're already a great leader but want a little coaching to become even greater: Valerie.MacLeod@HainesCentre.com