Have you ever had a job where you wondered if you were making a difference? Throughout my career, I have been blessed to have several positions where my actions positively impacted others’ lives.
Over the last several weeks, I have been coaching a young leader who was wrestling with this question. This leader was struggling with understanding their value. After we discussed the next steps during each conversation, I would close the discussion by reminding the leader of their outcomes.
Okay, I know you are wondering why was this leader struggling? Well, this leader has been working in their organization for the last four years, and regrettably, the organization is undergoing a significant reduction in force. Therefore, this leader was very concerned about their future with the organization.
Unfortunately, the leader’s position was eliminated during the reorganization of their department. However, because of this leader’s hard work and value-add outcomes, they secured another position in the organization.
While the leader was excited about the new opportunity, they were struggling with the decision made by senior management.
Over the last four years, this leader has built strong relationships throughout the department. They significantly improve the department’s outcomes, yet their position was eliminated.
They wondered if the organization valued them.
The day after the leader packed up their office, we had another conversation. We discussed how they had positively impacted the organization. Although the leader agreed with my assessment, they were still dealing with the pain of not being valued by senior management.
On the first day of the leader’s new position, they received several cards, flowers, and gifts from their former colleagues and other organization members. Every note thanked the leader for adding value to their lives. As the leader read the cards and notes, they felt valued not only as a leader but also as a human being.
“We all want the same thing: simply to be valued by somebody else. Think about every person you have ever met. They just want to feel valued.”
– Dr. Joseph Shrand
One of the basic needs of humans is to be valued. As a leader, sometimes this can be a heavy lift. However, this leader had stepped up to the plate and changed her world.
While it’s not always easy to see the best in individuals and value them, John Maxwell gives us five benefits we experience when we value every person we have the privilege to lead. When we value others we:
- Become less selfish
- Develop a more positive attitude
- Become more likable and attractive to others around you
- Learn from others
- Foster teamwork and increase contribution
John Maxwell says, “Every human being deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.”
When you value every person, not only do you reap the benefits, you change your world.
Are you changing your world by valuing every person?
#YourLeadershipGuide
Kim
Want to Change Your World by valuing every person? Click HERE!
Lead Confidently
Expand Influence
Achieve Significance
0 comments