It is so interesting to see the world of leadership engaging with the word ‘caring’.

Finally the importance of building and strengthening genuine and supportive relationships is being recognised as integral to effective leadership.

What is valuable in exploring this amazing quality is recognition that caring comes in a variety of forms. It is so much more than its simple physical expression of a warm handshake or welcoming smile.

Caring can be reflected through leaders who:

  • encourage you to step in and take charge of your own destiny
  • include you and appreciate your perspectives
  • remind you about what is important when the little things get in the way
  • know something is ‘not right’ and just show up to check in
  • highlight and promote your achievements so that others can learn from you
  • appreciate what is special and unique about you
  • bring more information and knowledge to make your decisions easier
  • look out for and support you when things aren’t going so well
  • make you smile and keep positive when the world around you doesn’t feel great.

Genuine caring leadership is not about ‘giving’ to get something in return. It is selfless; care is given respectfully and with compassion.

Caring leadership is a leader knowing intuitively what someone needs and meeting that need, rather than coming from their own perspective of ‘knowing what is best or right’.

It is about continually considering ways to make connections easier and appreciating the benefit this brings to the individual and the organisation.

In short, caring leadership is about seeing the people you lead as equal human beings who are worthy of your respect as much as you are worthy of theirs. It is about understanding that caring is not a sign of weakness or vulnerability but rather a sign of deep strength. It reflects high levels of emotional health and a deep understanding of your own impact on bringing out the best in others.

Caring leadership costs nothing, but the benefits have no limits.

How do you demonstrate your caring as a leader? What are your practices and preferences? What responses do you experience when you genuinely care?

Gayle 

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Photo by Luca Zanon on Unsplash.com