Leadership / Employees / Caring
How Do You Show Your Employees You Care
Actions speak more loudly than words . . .
It’s almost a cliché — as a leader you have to care for your employees. But what does that actually mean? How do you do it? Is remembering the names of their spouses and children enough? Hugs? Foosball in the breakroom? Allow employees to bring their dogs to work? Free donuts every day?
Meh, not so much. Leaders need to have a relationship with each employee. When companies do foosball, donuts, pets to work, etc., they’re trying to buy their employees loyalty and caring. The thing is those things aren’t for sale. Anyone ever know a spoiled rich kid?
You know, one of those kids who always wear the latest brands, had the trendiest toys, then got a new car for their 16th birthday? Does anyone believe those kids love their parents more than a poor kid whose mom and dad invest in their relationship? I don’t.
Investing in a relationship is a phrase many use. Investments are supposed to yield a return. When you’re talking about people, that sounds more like a quid pro quo, a transactional relationship. That kind of relationship is for sale to the highest bidder. We want to get away from that.
