It’s not a secret that I thrive on words of affirmation! It is totally my love language and I really need them! It’s like a high when you tell me I am doing a good job and you see value in what I am doing!
What happens when those words are delivered without sincerity? When they are delivered without true meaning behind them? I recently started a book called Sync or Swim (it’s amazing go read it!) You can get it on Amazon! It’s amazing (and no I don’t get anything for that)!!
The book is a fable and tells a story of a person who takes over a large organization and immediately throws a party to give awards to the team. But the awards aren’t given with any insight to the team, the team feels these are empty awards.
Today I was listening to a friend talk about some rough days at work recently. Her director isn’t the best, and it appears her director doesn’t really understand my friend because at the end of 3 12 hour days (My friend is a nurse) she got a text saying “thank for all you do”. My friend laughed because she knows her boss isn’t being sincere, but I would guess if you asked her boss if she meant it she’d say YES! She would probably even ask you why you are questioning her because in her head she’s being a great boss! Wouldn’t see be surprised if someone told her she wasn’t!
As leaders it is our job to understand our team and what make each individual tick! What motivates them and how can we make them feel valued at their job!!
This might mean words of affirmation but it also might mean coming along side someone or giving them a day off.
Taking some time to understand our team and what their concerns are means that we lead better!!
On my team recently, we were asked to help with special projects. The teams concern is that if they do the special projects they will lose billable hours. Billable hours have been a concern for the team as this has been the push for several years. Now with new leadership the objectives have changed but the team hasn’t been given a chance to adjust.
Giving our teams a chance to adjust to new leaders and gaining understanding of what makes them tick, will make us all better leaders!
Happy Leading
Leadership Simplified 