“Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.” —Theodore Roosevelt
As the holiday season approaches, so does the time of gifting. While we often think of tangible and monetary gifts to share with employees, the impact is temporary. Yet gifts with lasting impact are ones that show how much you care, value and appreciate your employees. December is a wonderful time for servant leaders to reflect on the unique gifts they can offer to their teams and communities.
Consider the following five meaningful ways you can make a difference in the lives of others:
- The Gift of Listening
One of the most profound gifts a servant leader can give is the gift of truly listening. This means being fully present in conversations, valuing each team member’s input, being understanding and supportive of personal and professional needs, and showing empathy. By doing so, leaders can foster a culture of trust and respect.
- The Gift of Encouragement
Encouragement can be a powerful motivator. Recognizing and celebrating the achievements and efforts of team members can boost morale and inspire continued excellence. Consider writing a handwritten, heartfelt note or acknowledging an employee contribution publicly during a meeting. When you offer words of hope during a challenging time, comfort someone who seems lonely or inspire an employee to follow their dreams, you are providing the gift of encouragement.
- The Gift of Time
Time is one of the most valuable resources a leader can offer. In fact, when asked, most employees state that they rarely get the time they want or need with their managers and leaders. Whether through one-on-one meetings, team-building activities or simply being available to support and guide, when you dedicate time to your team members you convey that you care about their growth and well-being. Take time to ask questions about career aspirations, family members, outside hobbies and/or what gives your employees the most satisfaction.
- The Gift of Empowerment
Empowering team members by delegating meaningful tasks and trusting them with responsibilities can help them grow and develop their skills. This not only benefits the individual but also strengthens the team as a whole. For example, Zappos empowers its customer service representatives to use their judgment to solve customer issues, which can include sending free replacements, offering refunds or sending a note to a customer having a bad day. And you may have experienced Southwest Airlines flight attendants having the freedom to create fun, sometimes hilarious in-flight announcements to entertain passengers as a part of their brand.
- The Gift of Gratitude
Expressing gratitude can have a profound impact on team dynamics. Taking the time to thank team members for their hard work and dedication can create a positive and supportive work environment. Be specific about what made a difference and focus on the unique strengths each employee demonstrated. According to Gallup, when managers focus on employee strengths, they are 67% more engaged at work!
This holiday season, in the spirit of servant leadership, we encourage you to give these priceless gifts that foster a culture of kindness, respect and growth. By doing so, you not only enhance your team’s well-being, but you also contribute to a more positive and productive work environment.
Happy Holidays from the team at Innolect!