As leaders, we can no longer be squeamish about practicing divine love, which shows up in all areas of our lives in the form of genuine care for those we lead. People see firsthand how the world is screaming for nations to be led by more effective leaders – and it starts with each one of us.
A 2020 United Nations Report tells us the world has entered a “new era of conflict and violence.”
Major wars between nation-states have decreased; however, homicides around the globe have become more frequent, gender-based attacks are increasing dramatically, and crimes against children have mushroomed. Vitriol has spiked, hatred has become commonplace, and love is in short supply.
Isn’t it time for leaders everywhere to address the increasing chaos on a global level? Despite our technological advancements and knowledge of history, the power-over-others leadership style increases; look around. Confusion. Degradation. Conflict.
Does this sound familiar to what is happening in leadership today? Unfortunately, at the senior-most levels, leadership is still about control, domination, manipulation, and power. Imagine what it would be like if leaders led with kindness, hope, positivity, caring, and love. We need to develop and hone our skills and not continue with status quo practices to make a true change.
Leaders will only improve their inner strengths by moving away from dominating and power-driven motives, factors that negatively affect human relationships, businesses, and societies. This inward focus can start with love and caring. And now, more than ever, expressing them is warranted.
This moment in history is, perhaps, the most significant opportunity for all leaders to be part of an enormous leadership paradigm shift, one that can improve humanity instead of continuing to degrade it. I believe the best leaders care for those they lead; these are the change agents who can make a real difference and help transform spiraling societal trends into something much better for all of us.
This leadership mindset shift can start with just caring. Leaders who care bring out the best in the people they lead by empowering them to be better themselves. Studies show people will work harder and more effectively for leaders who show genuine appreciation for them. In turn, people will emulate caring leaders by mirroring their feelings, thus making expressed love and caring genuinely reciprocal. Human relationships in any environment will significantly reduce negativity and friction by loving and caring leaders.
It will stop increasing any conflict and set into motion a positive leadership movement that our humanity so badly needs.
What have we got to lose?
Here are some ways that leaders can improve their leadership skills and become authentic change agents for a better world:
- Be there when they, the people you lead, need you. At all times, make yourself accessible.
- Become a great listener. Stay laser-focused when engaged with those you lead, especially when they come to you for guidance or help. Let them do the talking before you respond.
- Show the people you lead respect, compassion, and empathy. Be genuinely concerned.
- Get to know the people you lead. Find out the things they love to do. Have substantive conversations, make them about more than just work-related issues.
- Practice integrity and build trust. Be honest in all conversations, especially when delivering feedback. Work on getting to the point, not on being evasive.
- Show appreciation by recognizing the accomplishments of those you lead. Showing gratitude to others inspires them and makes them want to support you.
- Create opportunities for the people you lead and allow for their personal growth. Showing an interest in their professional development will help them trust you more and create a stronger sense of teamwork.
Yes, I know Valentine’s Day is a special day to express our care for the people we love and care about or vice versa. But what if we leaders practiced these mantras more consistently at home, work, or in our communities? We could change the world!