When people reach out to me for coaching, I spend the time to know who they are and understand what they are struggling with in that moment. We talk about what they want to accomplish so we both know the outcome that they want. This is a journey that they are about to go on as a leader and we are creating a partnership together.
As a part of the coaching programs that I attended, I was taught to meet people where they are. That didn’t mean in the physical sense, but where they are at in their lives and in their thinking at that moment. What I think about their situation doesn’t matter. It is important to listen to them and pay attention to what would make the most difference for them in the time that we work together.
My thought is always, what can I do to help them wherever they are at right now?
Leaders can think about the conversations that they have with their team members in the same way. Not every team member is at the same place in their career. They come in with different beliefs, experiences, ideas, and assumptions. Spend the time to understand what those are if they are willing to share with you. There may be valid reasons that they aren’t engaged or motivated. They may be dealing with past experiences that have caused them to shy away from visibility or leading a team of their own. What can you do to help them through those challenges? How can you help them build confidence and be more engaged?
There is a job to be done, but showing someone that you care about them as a person is what makes a difference.
That is what creates a stronger relationship with your team members and helps them grow. Not all leaders will do this, but if you want to create a stronger team, have compassion for the people on your team as a human being. The team members will remember how you treated them and what you did for them forever. You are the example that they can follow for their own teams in the future.