Behind my house is a park with a sidewalk that winds around the inside perimeter. I have the blessing of working from home with a corner view of this beautiful park and our green and red rock mountains providing a spectacular backdrop.

Hopefully it isn’t a surprise to you that employees feeling valued is at the top of the list when it comes to employee retention. And it probably isn’t a surprise that employee recognition is key to helping employees feel valued.

I am especially sensitive to employee layoffs, having had first hand experience as a manager and employee. I know the pain that laying off employees causes, the uncertainty it creates and the disruption to confidence and normalcy that it brings about. And unless you have ever been an employee laid off, you have no idea what it feels like. Empathy is only an attempt at understanding.

I heard a story the other day that reminded me of the need for leaders and people in general to seek to understand first before getting involved. In my years of observing leaders I have seen many of them jump to conclusions and get involved in issues way too soon.