Seen, Heard, and Known
I was listening to the Anderson Cooper podcast, All There Is, where he discusses grief with guests. Knowing my own grief, it is not something I get passed; it is something that stays with me. I can better deal with my grief when I am willing to share my pain and loss with others in trusted and loving relationships. For me, this is about being seen, heard, and known.
I reflect on these deeply personal situations and understand that during everyone’s life, grief will become a part of your story. I am keenly aware that the elements of a person’s healing are also fundamental principles in a leaders work with his or her employees. People on your team what to be seen, heard, and have the feelings that they matter to you. Employees are keenly aware of when they feel their role is connected to the goals and priorities of the organization.
When employees are valued in word and in deed by the leader, the impact and productivity of individuals increase. When I am seen, heard, and feel like I am important to the leader and organizational impact, I am working harder, I am more committed to doing my part, and I am willing to go the extra mile to see that the team, and my organization, succeed. It is not rocket-science to treat people well, and nor is it difficult to communicate and value the team in word or in deed.
What most workforces experience is a silent or absent figure head in the CEO office. Communications are filtered through others and what the team sees and feels from a leader is void of the personal touch, the spontaneous encounter with that leader knowing your name, or even requesting your name in an effort to get to know you beyond the name plate or name badge you are wearing. It’s about having care, concern, and empathy; three key ingredients in the best leader’s personal profile.
My encouragement to every leader is to purposely and intentionally get to know the team you are leading. Show up in unexpected places in the company with the intent of working alongside people you would not normally encounter during the day. Bring your laptop, make some calls in an open office, and let people know in the area they are free to come by and say hello. Your presence in doing this is allowing people to see you, know you, and better understand you. These actions lead to trust building and a stronger workforce.
When leaders do small things consistently, they see fundamental changes begin to transform the workplace. When employees are seen, heard, and feel they are making a difference the potential to attain organizational goals and objectives are within reach and success is the banner everyone gets to wave and enjoy! Work on seeing, hearing, and knowing your team to ensure people feel connected.
