“Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.”
— Margaret Mead
Too often, the care and consideration of employees is pushed aside in the corporate world in favor of more pressing concerns. While it’s tempting to believe that higher levels of stress equal higher productivity, studies have consistently shown that the opposite is true.
Organizations with emotionally-aware leaders that prioritize the well-being of their staff enjoy higher engagement, better retention, and fewer health-related issues than those that prioritize other goals.
Put simply, leaders that focus on the needs of their employees reap the benefits of a thriving, successful business. Today, we take an in-depth look at an ideology beautifully demonstrated in Dr. Dionne Van Zyl‘s book, Acuity. Through this article, we will gain a better understanding of the powerful message behind his work.
In his book, Acuity, Dr. Van has listed five emotional skills that are directly associated with success in the workplace, of which ‘Caring’ tops the chart.
Many studies, notably those cited by Malcolm Gladwell, have shown that poor customer service rather than malpractice was a leading source of lawsuits against businesses and medical professionals.
Caring – The Role in Personality Development
Research on preverbal babies has shown that individuals are wired to seek care and support from birth. Caring for one another is not a learned behavior but rather something that can be nourished and grown. Even infants prefer to be near warm, kind people rather than those with a more negative disposition.
Growing up in an environment filled with care and support can have a tremendous impact on a person’s ability to thrive within a community. Similarly, a single caring leader can have a significant positive effect on a workplace, increasing the productivity of their staff.
Care Is the Engine That Powers Productivity
People who feel they work for a company that genuinely values and cares for them are more likely to go the extra mile. When individuals are treated with respect and appreciation for their contributions, they become more personally invested in the success of the firm. Companies that demonstrate care for their employees are more likely to receive loyalty and dedication in return.
As a result, employees become highly motivated to work for such organizations, knowing that their efforts are not taken for granted. It’s much simpler to take good care of individuals who are good to you.
Empathy and Caring Go Hand In Hand
This excerpt from the book showcases that empathy is largely expressed through acts of kindness, which require a certain amount of courage and selflessness. Praise is easy to give; however, it takes a truly empathetic person to provide constructive criticism, not only in regard to professional life but a personal one as well.
A strong leader must be able to identify when an employee is struggling and build a trusting relationship with them in order to get to the root of the issue. Through building this trust and offering guidance on how to improve, a leader is able to have a powerful influence on their employees’ success.
The Bottom Line: Caring is Key to Achieving Success
Caring for others can be a powerful asset when it comes to personal and professional growth. When we show compassion and empathy towards our colleagues, clients, and peers, it exudes a positive energy that can help to form strong bonds and create a productive and enjoyable team dynamic. This energy can also extend our influence and have a greater impact on the world around us.
When managers put focus on caring, they are able to foster a sense of innovation and enthusiasm among their team and clients. This can open the door to new opportunities, greater responsibilities, and, ultimately, a successful career. Demonstrating that you care for others can be a game-changer and help you reach new heights.