During February, this leadership column will focus on the importance of incorporating aspects of love into your daily leadership activities to help you become a more effective leader.

February is typically known as the month of love and images of floating hearts fill our brains.  Typically, we think of chocolates, Valentine’s Day, and romance for our sweethearts and those for whom we care.  

But what if we extended this notion to the workplace?  After all, some of the most intense and ongoing relationships we have are with the people we work with and lead.

I was recently inspired when reading about Army Colonel Joe Ricciardi, who grew interested in the idea of love at work when deploying his soldiers to Afghanistan during the Gulf War.  “Just love your soldiers” were the words of advice he received from another general which led Joe to go on and not only share this sentiment with his soldiers in the field, but also to pursue his Ph.D. in values-based leadership upon his return.

In the realm of leadership, the traditional image often involves a sense of detachment and formality. However, a paradigm shift is occurring, with an increasing recognition that leaders can and should express genuine love and care for their employees. 

And in today’s workplace, the increasing demand for leaders to be “authentic and real” is significantly contributing to ongoing employee engagement and helping with workplace burnout.

Loving your employees doesn’t look like “ooshy-gooshy romance”.  It means creating workplaces where people feel like they belong and are truly cared for. It means investing the time and positive energy into taking care of your team and building relationships that stand strong during challenging times.

Here are 7 reasons why fostering a culture of love within the workplace is not only acceptable but also beneficial for both leaders and their teams.

1. Building Trust and Loyalty: When leaders show authentic care and concern for their employees, it creates a foundation of trust. Trust is a crucial element in any successful working relationship. Employees who feel genuinely cared for are more likely to stay committed to their organization, fostering loyalty and dedication.
   
   
2. Enhancing Motivation and Productivity: Love and support from leaders contribute significantly to employee motivation. Feeling valued and appreciated boosts morale, leading to increased productivity. Employees are more likely to go the extra mile when they know their efforts are recognized and appreciated.
   
   
3. Fostering a Positive Work Environment: A workplace infused with love is inherently positive. When leaders express genuine care, it sets a tone for a supportive and nurturing environment. This positivity ripples through the entire organization, leading to improved collaboration, creativity, and overall job satisfaction.
   
   
4. Strengthening Team Dynamics: Love in leadership is not limited to individual relationships; it extends to the entire team. Leaders who encourage a culture of love and camaraderie among team members create a strong sense of unity. A cohesive team is better equipped to overcome challenges and achieve common goals.
   
   
5. Promoting Employee Well-being: Leaders who genuinely care for their employees prioritize their well-being. This involves considering not only professional growth but also personal development. Leaders can offer support during challenging times, contributing to the overall mental and emotional health of their team members.
   
   
6. Inspiring Innovation: A culture of love encourages open communication and the sharing of ideas without fear of judgment. Employees are more likely to express their thoughts and suggestions when they feel secure in their relationship with their leaders. This, in turn, fosters innovation and continuous improvement.
   
   
7. Setting an Example for Future Leaders: Leaders who embrace love in their leadership style set an example for future generations of leaders. It challenges the outdated notion that professionalism requires emotional distance. By demonstrating that love and leadership can coexist, these leaders inspire others to adopt a more compassionate approach.

Conclusion:

In the ever-evolving landscape of leadership, the notion that leaders can love their employees is gaining prominence. The benefits are clear, ranging from enhanced trust and loyalty to increased motivation and innovation. Embracing a leadership style rooted in genuine care not only improves the workplace environment but also sets the stage for a more compassionate and successful future.

Next Steps:

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• If you need coaching to develop your leadership skills or with enhancing the emotional intelligence levels in your workplace, book a call to chat!
• Want to share how your business is developing its emotional intelligence with your fellow VISTA Today readers?  We’d love to highlight you! Contact me at tsteege@transformstrat.com.

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Tricia Steege is the Founder and CEO of Transformation Strategies, as well as a published author and speaker based in the Valley Forge area. Her executive coaching and organizational development consulting firm specializes in helping business leaders and organizations get unstuck from patterns that have held them captive from making their hoped-for futures become a reality. 

You can reach Tricia at 484.682.4925 or via e-mail at tsteege@transformstrat.com.