Leading People is Loving People?

"Leading People is Loving People" I heard this statement recently at an event; some people think it is an absurd statement but is it really?

The difference between managing people and being a leader was pointed out as while the managers issued directives and orders, the leader uses requests to obtain results. When requests are made of people, the results are different. But how can these results be achieved if the concept of a team is not applicable? Yes, I meant “a team.” Every leader has a group of people who look up to them for guidance, and it is the responsibility of the leader to ensure that everyone in the team is successful. In the workplace, the concept of a team should be based on the phrase “No Man Left Behind,” but today this concept is not applicable because the general mindset of team members is more inclined towards competing in a “Rat Race.”

Everyone is desperate to make it even if it means achieving success to the detriment of his or her opponents. This may sound dramatic but if you take a minute to look around you will discover that the work environment in well-known companies is majorly characterized by negative attributes such as ego, greed, and envy which are prominently evident. Leaders should support their people to attain their highest potentials rather than sabotaging their efforts. Moreover, when they become successful, the leaders will also benefit from the success achieved through interdependence. A team is successful when the leaders recognize the strength and weaknesses of each team member and assign them tasks that they can perform excellently.

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Leaders should be humble rather than being arrogant when leading the team. A team is not about how you function independently but how much you can cooperate with others while encouraging them. It is commonly said that leadership is a ‘calling’ and it cannot be learned. It is not possible for everyone in the team to function as a leader but this is not an indication that teams cannot be successful. On the contrary, if every team member’s proficiencies are identified and used, there will be higher chances of attaining success especially when the leader has the right attitude. Good leaders should empower and respect others while making efforts to understand and value their team members. Good leaders have integrity and high moral standards. They are enthusiastic about encouraging collaboration among the team. Unfortunately, a majority of the leaders today lack these attributes.

In this generation, businesses are contending with disruptions from new technologies and the social media. The new generation disregards the rules and levels of bureaucracy. The traditional company structure which entails sending requests and obtaining approvals to talk to leaders is being rejected. Employees would rather choose the option to approach their leaders directly. The millennials tend to appreciate leaders who operate an open door policy. This is why millennials inquire about the company’s culture during job interviews. They have become selective when making choices regarding job offers.

The concept of working from 8 am to 8 pm is no longer appealing. The new generation is more concerned with achieving a work-life balance. They search for jobs that are suitable for their lifestyle. Leaders who recognize these needs and make efforts to implement changes in their companies show that they care about their team and in the long run the company’s goals will be achieved.

Let’s take a minute to revisit the phrase "Leading People is Loving People", I am sure it sounds sentimental, How can a leader love their employees? In this context, love refers to respect, understanding, showing care, and appreciating your employees. Listen to what they have to say; every employee should be given an equal opportunity to succeed. However, how many leaders are actually applying these principles in the workplace?
Do you occupy a leadership position? Do you "love" your employees/team members? If you do love your employees/team members, would you mind sharing how you do it so we also learn from you?