In the high-stakes world of business, we are taught to focus on KPIs, bottom lines, and project timelines. We talk about “human capital” and “resources,” but we often shy away from the one thing that actually drives human performance: genuine care.
In my book, The Magnetic Leader, I identify “Loving People” as Essential Action #9. To some, the word “love” feels out of place in a boardroom. We’ve been conditioned to think love is strictly romantic or personal, and HR policies have made many leaders afraid to get “too close.”
But leadership is fundamentally relational. If you want to move beyond being a boss people have to follow to a leader people want to follow, you must bridge the gap between tasks and people.
Don’t Lead Scared
Many executives build walls between themselves and their teams to protect their authority or stay within legal boundaries. However, there is a massive difference between inappropriate behavior and genuine care. Abuse of power isn’t love; putting a person’s best interest first is.
When you lead from behind a wall, you might get compliance, but you will never get commitment. My challenge to you is simple: Don’t lead scared. The risk of leading with care is far lower than the risk of losing your best talent to a leader who actually values them as human beings.
The Immediate ROI of Caring
When people feel they matter, they respond differently. It is a crucial factor of a high-performance culture.
- Boosted Productivity: A team that feels supported is a team that goes the extra mile.
- Increased Retention: In today’s “free agent” market, people don’t just stay for a paycheck; they stay where they feel seen.
- Deeper Engagement: As John Maxwell often says, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
How to Start (Without the Awkwardness)
You don’t need to jump into the deep end immediately. Start by asking a simple, inquisitive question: “How are you doing lately?”
If they give you the standard “fine,” don’t stop there. Dig a little deeper. Ask about their family, their weekend, or their kid’s sports tournament. When you show interest in their life beyond their “worker bee” output, you prove that you value them as a person, not just a producer.
I am where I am today because a youth pastor saw potential in me at 16 and chose to invest in me. He didn’t just care about what I could do; he cared about who I was becoming. You have that same power in your organization. When you show commitment to your people, it breeds commitment in return.
Until next time, make today GREAT!
P.S. Are you ready to become a Magnetic Leader? Let’s bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be. I invite you to book a free 30-minute strategy session with me today. Together, we can map out a plan to help your team thrive. Visit www.mcclurecoaching.com/free-strategy-session for a free call where we’ll go to the whiteboard and map out your next best step.
P.P.S. I’d love to connect on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube, where I share more leadership tips.
