Leaders Care
Science shows that each of us have what are called mirror neurons in our brains that recognize when someone in our presence genuinely cares, supports and respects us.
The same neurons recognizing care, support and respect, also recognize when someone acts like they care, but are clearly signalling boredom, disdain or contempt.
So in other words, it’s not just what you say, but it’s also what people feel when you say it.
The Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) did a study that differentiated one factor that put some managers in the top tier of all managers and others in the bottom tier. It was their warmth and affection for others.
Are you a leader who genuinely cares? How do you show that?
Leaders who want to create loyal and results focused followers have to demonstrate daily that they truly care by showing warmth, openly expressing feelings and selflessly serving those they lead.
I recently found and love the following video below. It demonstrates genuine caring through warmth, feelings and service. They may be small and young, but they are learning an important principle – people want to be cared about and cared for.
Each morning this pre-kindergarten class starts the day with the greeter for the week warmly welcoming classmates as they arrive. Each four-year-old picks either a hug, handshake, fist bump or high five from the greeter. The teacher’s goal was to create positive interactions between students.
It is not only a cute idea, but also a clever, fun and effective idea! They have a tradition for saying goodbye in the afternoon as well.
How will you choose to greet those you lead and care about each morning? It’s simple, but can say a lot about how much you care 🙂
What other things do you do that show you care?
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