Want Great Results?

by John Keyser

I had an insightful discussion with a spiritual leader recently who made a statement that to me is quite fundamental to true leadership – and yet it is not a goal for many in senior or even middle management positions.

He said, “If you win the hearts of your people they will perform at their very best, and our desired results are far more likely to be achieved.”

So very true!

Win their hearts and the way they work will change for the better.

How do we win hearts? We earn them, one by one. We earn them in the way that we carry ourselves: our character, our integrity and our relationships with our team members. Are we humble? Are we helpful to them?

Let’s be out with the people doing the work of our companies, alongside them, having conversations. Let’s ask for their ideas and feedback. Let’s help them feel good about themselves, and help them learn, grow and succeed.

Bear in mind that we must make the time to be with people, to remove ourselves from the never-ending cycle of meetings. We must make the effort to give people our undivided attention, putting away our smart phones and with comfortable eye contact.

We know that over time, how well we will do is based on our organizational culture. This really means the spirit of our people.

If we genuinely strive to win their hearts, we’ll have an enthusiastic, energetic team that will too strive to do their very best. This is what shepherd leadership means to me.

Our team members are individuals. Each is unique. It is our responsibility to learn what works best for us to help and inspire each one of them.

Our leadership is a gift. Let’s be appreciative and do our very best to earn their respect and win their hearts.