Prioritizing People: The Heart of Leadership
It’s easy to get lost in a sea of tasks and goals. It’s easy to forge ahead with your plans and checklists and forget to appreciate the people who make it happen. Prioritizing people begins with recognizing their valuable contributions, connecting to them on a meaningful level, and being fully present and engaged. Not only do you need to ensure that everyone knows that they matter, you also need to come along beside them to offer support and mentorship to boost their success.
Acknowledging team members’ efforts and achievements is a powerful motivator. As John C. Maxwell says, “People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude.” Taking the time to genuinely appreciate the contributions of others creates a culture of recognition and respect within a business, an organization, or a family. A simple” thank you” goes a long way. Public recognition can raise the bar. Both have the potential to foster loyalty, dedication, and a sense of belonging.
More than ever, you need to make a conscious effort to truly connect in this age of digital communication. When you underestimate the value of connection, you might undermine the whole endeavor’s success. People are not robots that simply take orders and perform tasks. When they know that you care and take the time to build connections, you lay a foundation that will stand up to challenges
Often, you must slow down to create connections and cultivate relationships, but it can build a level of trust and loyalty that leads to even more engagement and productivity. As Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Practically speaking, how do we do this? First, be present. Being fully present can make all the difference in a busy world filled with distractions.
Here are a few practical habits:
* Stop what you are doing.
* Listen Attentively
* Put your phone down.
* Ask relevant questions.
* Respond thoughtfully.
When you prioritize people by being present and engaged, you demonstrate respect and value for them. As Brené Brown wisely said, “What we know matters, but who we are matters more.” Actively listening, empathizing, and engaging with others creates space for meaningful interactions and a culture of trust. People, even children, have a keen sense of awareness. They know if you are engaged in the conversation or multitasking. They can tell if they are truly your priority or if you are only trying to squeeze them in between other things on your list. It means putting down your phone or closing your computer and looking them in the eye.
Amazing things can happen when people know that they matter. As Simon Sinek famously said, “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.” This isn’t optional. It’s not the icing on the cake. It is the starting place. Everyone has their own unique talents, abilities, perspectives, and lived experiences to bring to the table. Effective leaders, coaches, teachers, and parents will ensure that their team feels valued and appreciated. Even the smallest efforts encourage the team to engage and be passionate about their contributions.
Prioritizing people is not simply a strategy or a path to success, it is an investment in the culture of your organization or your family. Recognizing contributions, connecting authentically, being present, and ensuring everyone knows they matter can take a team from surviving to thriving. As John C. Maxwell reminds us, “Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.” Prioritizing people should always be the top priority.