The Obvious Thing About Loving Leadership

I have been called the Queen of the Obvious a time or two, which makes me smile. This is just fine with me. Afterall, someone has to be! 😉

And, just because something is obvious, doesn’t mean it’s easy or unimportant! In fact, in the case of Loving Leadership behaviors, quite the opposite is true.

But let’s face it. The constant pressure in our social media culture is to say something new and earth shaking and to tune into what’s novel too.

We are drawn to what’s entertaining. Bright shiny idea. Tantalizing reel. Cute turn of phrase. Add music please. Dance.

That’s all good fun and sometimes valuable. And I love to dance. But this drive to be captivated (and the pressure to be captivating) can also miss what’s true, important, and timeless.

Like the fact that our team members want to feel safe, that they belong, that their contributions matter, that their work has meaning.

(“Yes, of course they do.”)

Like the fact that as Loving Leaders, it’s our primary job to create the environment for that love and safety through our words and actions and by shaping systems and structures.

(“True, of course that’s our job.”)

Of course, but too often, these fundamentals are neglected and difficult.

Because we are human, we forget to check in with each team members as people, or identify learning opportunities for them, or review that policy that contradicts our human-centered values. We just don’t get to it.

Because the people we work with are human too, we run into snags, hurdles, and full on brick walls when we do try to do these things.

But this doesn’t mean we shouldn't work on them. These are the right things to do for people and for our success as a team.

And so without any glitz or choreography, I want to encourage you to choose one obvious Loving Leader fundamental to prioritize when you come into work week. Just one. Plan for it now.

Check in. Or coach. Notice and thank. Amplify. Or simplify. Ask for ideas. Give an opportunity. Or celebrate. Clarify. Remove roadblocks. Or listen.

Pick one. Make a simple plan now for doing one obvious but too often neglected thing that Loving Leaders do. 

And if you run into snags, reach out and let me know. Support is here! One coaching session can make a huge difference!