Everyone on your team wants to feel that their work matters. That drive doesn’t come from ego but from a need to know their contributions are seen and valued. Leading with love means meeting that need. Here’s how to do it.
Give your people a “loved it/loathed it” exercise. Twice a year, ask your team to track what they loved and loathed about their work over the course of a week. Then review their lists together. Don’t rush to fix anything. Focus on building shared awareness of what makes them feel fulfilled—and what drains them.
Understand their response to change. Pay close attention to how each person reacts when things shift. Some people lean into change, whereas others feel unsettled by it. Tailor how you frame change so it reinforces their sense of purpose. For some, that means connecting change to impact. For others, it means highlighting opportunities to innovate or improve.
Individualize praise. Recognition isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some people value private acknowledgment while others prefer public visibility. Some respond to tangible rewards while others value direct feedback or customer appreciation. Learn what makes each person feel valued, then recognize them in ways that resonate. |
