Kind acts have distinct benefits for leaders. And with recent natural disasters, violence and tragedies across our nation and around the world, employees seek leaders who offer encouragement and kind acts to help renew the human spirit. Take a moment to choose an act of leadership kindness today. Make a donation, volunteer, send a note or do something unexpected.
Unlike natural disasters, many organizational rogue waves can often be avoided and/or minimized. Effective leaders communicate and prepare their “crews” for rough seas and unexpected weather patterns so that they know what to do. When crews hear “hold fast,” for example, they know to batten down the hatches and get to a secure position. Prepared for changes and obstacles, they are more likely to navigate the challenges without media attention and/or employees abandoning the ship.
“Leaders who don’t listen will eventually be surrounded by people who have nothing to say.” Andy Stanley
At the prospect of finding more satisfying work and/or better pay, 3.4 million people quit their jobs in April 2018. In fact, according to Gallup, 51% of employees are actively looking for new jobs or watching for new job openings. You may be saying to yourself, “Our employees are not in that percentage…or are they?”
Ensuring a positive future requires courageous leaders who make difficult decisions—especially concerning employees and staff. These leaders look beyond the impact of today to what is best for the organization long-term. In fact, one of the greatest challenges leaders face is waiting too long to make staff changes.
“We need to give each other the space to grow, to be ourselves, to exercise our diversity. We need to give each other space so that we may both give and receive such beautiful things as ideas, openness, dignity, joy, healing, and inclusion.” – Max de Pree
Companies hire employees for their skills, experience, track-record and potential. And executives want new employee potential to be realized quickly to compete in today’s highly complex uncertain marketplace. Unfortunately, successful leaders in one context may not perform well in another without support from their managers.