What’s Love Got to do with Leadership?
What is the most important attribute of a good leader? While it is difficult to single out one overarching attribute, according to leadership author, Lolly Daskal, “The single most important factor that differentiates a good leader from a great leader is LOVE.” Truly exceptional leaders know how to lead with love. One of the main reasons for this is that love brings out the best in people, no matter the situation.
If you are a leader looking to get the most out of the people you lead, then learn to love them. Here is how you can lead with love.
Lead with Encouragement, Not Criticism
When someone is struggling, give him or her hope by offering encouragement and support. People will make mistakes, as no one is perfect. Rather than criticize, leaders who love take advantage of these moments to teach and train. This makes a huge difference in helping people learn from their mistakes, improve their performance, and succeed.
Show Appreciation
Show love with words or acts of appreciation whenever possible. A “Way to go” email, treating them to lunch, praising them privately or in front of others, or giving them a raise are all ways to let them know you appreciate their hard work. Appreciation is a powerful form of positive reinforcement which results in the desire to repeat the pattern of hard work=reward.
Be Flexible and Empathetic
It is important to set expectations and be prepared to enforce them. However, those who lead with love also show empathy when someone falls short of those expectations. They understand life is unpredictable, everyone has bad days, and the weather answers to no one. Flexibility is key in such situations and where encouragement comes in handy.
Listen
Leaders who love have learned how to truly listen and are open to ideas and suggestions from those they lead. They know when they show willingness to keep growing and learning from those they lead, everyone feels heard and understood.
Teach, don’t Criticize
People will make mistakes, as no one is perfect. Rather than criticize, leaders who love take advantage of these moments to teach and train. This makes a huge difference in helping people learn from their mistakes, allowing them to improve their performance and succeed.
Show You Care
Leading with love means showing you care about their success and what drives them, “what inspires and empowers” them, in the words of Lolly Daskal. Far too many leaders pretend to care. Show that you are genuine and sincere by getting to know those you lead, follow up with anyone who has expressed a difficulty and do what you can to help them professionally, and even in their personal life.
We hope you found this article about Love and Leadership helpful. If you have questions or need expert tax or family office advice that’s refreshingly objective (we never sell investments), please contact us or visit our Family office page or home page www.Groco.com. Unfortunately, we no longer give advice to other tax professionals gratis. Considerately yours, GROCO, GROCO Tax, GROCO Technology, GROCO Advisory Services, GROCO Consulting Services, GROCO Relationship Services, GROCO Consulting/Advisory Services, GROCO Family Office Wealth, and GROCO Family Office Services
To receive our free newsletter, contact us here.
Subscribe our YouTube Channel for more updates.
This transcript was generated by software and may not accurately reflect exactly what was said.
Alan Olsen, is the Host of the American Dreams Show and the Managing Partner of GROCO.com. GROCO is a premier family office and tax advisory firm located in the San Francisco Bay area serving clients all over the world.
Alan L. Olsen, CPA, Wikipedia Bio
Self Employed Refinancing Problems – What Can Business Owners Expect?
Self Employed Refinancing Problems – What Can Business Owners Expect? By Tristan Hunt Self Employed Borrowers at Greatest Risk of Foreclosure It’s a hot topic. Millions of self-employed borrowers who purchased or refinanced a home in the past 5 years under liberal “stated income” or “no documentation” mortgage programs are finding they cannot qualify to…
The Importance of Life Insurance in Estate Planning
Life Insurance for Estate Planning As part of the estate planning process, you may talk to any number of advisors—from lawyers, accountants and trust officers, to financial and retirement planners. These advisors often provide not only valuable services, but also may be in the business of selling investments, annuities and insurance. You will need to…
How to Raise Children That Become Entrepreneurs
How to Raise Children That Become Entrepreneurs By Lauren Hidden Ever since my kids can remember, I’ve worked from home. Sometimes I have to remind them that I’m not sitting home playing with their toys or eating bon-bons when they’re at the babysitter or at school, but for the most part they “get it”. As…
Transferring Assets to a Second Spouse (and to children from the first)
Transferring Assets to a Second Spouse (and to children from the first) Elizabeth and Thomas Carr (names fictitious), both in their late 60s, each have one child from a prior marriage. During the 30-plus years of their marriage, they each have accumulated an estate of over $5 million. The full $1.5 million credit against estate…