How to care for your team? Do they need care? Absolutely. However, many swing to extremes – too much or too little. Care becomes either taboo or weakness.
Learning to care
Xavier was known as the stern leader. A go-getter with a result-oriented mindset. He dove straight into work discussions. He rarely acknowledged or learned about a team member beyond the current work topic.
His boss realized the impact Xavier had on the team. On the surface, the team performed. However, attrition followed. People hesitated to join his function.
In spite of a few conversations, Xavier remained reluctant to address the issue. Xavier was given a larger mandate by the boss but on the condition that he worked with a coach.
“What does caring for team members look like for you today?” The coach asked
“Getting personal. Feeling for them. Accepting mediocracy. Being soft if they don’t perform.”
“Where lies the real struggle?” The coach nudged
“I am not sure where to draw a line,” Xavier revealed.
For Xavier, care meant leniency. He had seen ‘nice’ leaders struggle with underperformers. He believed knowing the team members would make it difficult to get work done.
Working with the coach, he learned what care would look like in a work context. It meant showing reasonable concern to help them perform and grow. He engaged with his team differently by
- Listening to understand rather than being quick to dismiss
- Knowing three non-work things about each of his team members
- Sharing his honest perspective on issues
He learnt he can show considerable care without being their therapist. Xavier’s work standards did not suffer. It elevated his presence as a leader.
Caring is not about leniency. Care in a workplace context means showing concern in possible ways to help them perform and grow. Showing care to your team helps them work much more effectively. It helps foster two-way communication. It helps leaders pick early warning signs and give support at the right moment.
For your reflection
- What does caring for your team look like today?
- What would help you embrace your caring side as a leader?
“Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” – Simon Sinek