In the realm of leadership, a profound yet often underestimated truth emerges – the transformative power of genuine care for one’s team. Effective leadership extends beyond authority and decision-making; it hinges on the ability to connect with, support, and genuinely care for the people you lead.
Simon Sinek, a prominent thought leader on the subject of leadership and author of “Leaders Eat Last,” championed the idea of the importance of leaders genuinely caring about their teams. He challenges conventional leadership paradigms and underscores the significance of fostering trust and connection within organizations.
But Really..Why Should “Leaders Eat Last?”
Sinek’s perspective of “leaders eating last,” is symbolic of a philosophy that encapsulates the idea that effective leaders prioritize the well-being of their team members above their own interests. In other words, leaders are willing to make personal sacrifices to ensure the safety and success of those they lead.
This philosophy is grounded in the concept of servant leadership, where leaders serve their teams rather than expecting their teams to serve them. When leaders put the needs of their team members first, they build trust and loyalty, fostering a strong sense of unity and purpose within the organization.
Essentially, a caring leadership results in the following:
- Enhanced Employee Engagement” Caring leaders create an environment where employees feel valued and appreciated. This sense of being cared for leads to higher levels of employee engagement. Engaged employees are more committed to their work, more productive, and more likely to go above and beyond in their roles.
- Improved Retention: When leaders genuinely care about their teams, team members are more likely to stay with the organization for the long term. High turnover can be costly, both in terms of time and resources, so caring leadership contributes to improved employee retention.
- Greater Innovation: Caring leaders foster an atmosphere of psychological safety. In such an environment, team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas and taking calculated risks. This openness to innovation and creativity can lead to breakthroughs and a competitive edge in the market.
- Employees feel safe: To perform at their best, it’s imperative that employees feel ‘safe’. To feel psychologically safe at work is to have faith that there won’t be a penalty if you fail. Remember the story of the manager who lost $10 million of his employer’s money in a failed deal? Read the full article here. When there’s fear or discord in the workplace, your brain’s amygdala perceives it as a biological threat that triggers a fight or flight response, something that impedes perspective and rational thinking..
To illustrate the concept of leaders genuinely caring about their teams, we turn to a Citizen TV interview that featured Dr. Patricia Murugami (Founder, Breakthrough Leadership & Transformation) & Wanjiru Kihusa (Founder, Still A Mum Platform). It highlighted additional, positive aspects of having a leader who genuinely cares:
- Increased Motivation: The team member expresses feeling more motivated and committed to their work because they know their leader cares about their success and well-being.
- Sense of Belonging: Caring leadership creates a sense of belonging. Team members feel like they are part of a supportive community where they can rely on one another.
- Trust and Open Communication: Trust is the bedrock of effective leadership. When leaders genuinely care, trust naturally follows. Trust fosters open communication and collaboration, leading to better outcomes.
- Resilience in Challenges: Caring leadership equips team members with the emotional support needed to navigate challenges and setbacks. This resilience is vital in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape.
Let’s Embrace Caring Leadership
In conclusion, if you’re a leader, at whatever level in your business or executive career, learn to genuinely care about your teams not just to create healthier, more productive work environments but also to drive greater success for your organization.It remains that he heart of leadership lies in the ability to care deeply, inspire trust, and elevate individuals to their full potential. Start to embrace caring leadership today, and watch as the benefits extend far beyond the workplace, creating a positive ripple effect in the lives of those you lead.
Takeaway: If you’re an employee what do you need to feel safe in the workplace?
If you’re a leader, how can you create a psychological safe working environment for your employees? You can comment in the comments section or email us your thoughts to rise@bltgroup.co.ke and we will share your thoughts in a future blog.Want to learn more about our Rise School programs? Click on this link.
