The Power of Caring for Your People

As you work on Annual Planning, your leadership team should address two key ways to grow the business: personal growth as a leader and caring for your people. One of the best books I’ve read on growing yourself as a leader is Everybody Matters - The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People like Family by Bob Chapman and Raj Sisodia.

I recently heard Chapman speak about his book where he shared some of his key findings, including his journey as a CEO and business leader who lead his company through almost 90 successful acquisitions. He found:

• ‍Management is the manipulation of others for your success. Leadership is the stewardship of the lives entrusted to you.
• People want to know who they are and what they do matter!
• ‍Listening is a critical leadership skill and the most powerful act of caring.
• ‍How we lead has a profound impact on the lives of those under us – and their health!

Leadership is a privilege, and as leaders, we must find the courage to care. Chapman writes, “Everyone wants to do better — trust them. Leaders are everywhere — find them. People achieve good things, big and small, every day — celebrate them. Some people wish things were different — listen to them. Everybody matters — show them”.

Chapman concludes, “No matter the status of the industry, distressed or vibrant, even companies experiencing severe challenges, our approach has created tremendous shareholder value. The key pillars are establishing a shared long-term vision, fostering a people-centric culture, developing leaders from within, and sending people home fulfilled.”

Will you care for your people like they’re family in 2018? 

For more tips and insights on successful Annual Planning, bring your leadership teams to my annual Gazelle's Scaling Up Workshop this November where we will cover this subject extensively. Registration includes a free consultation before or after the workshop. Register here.