What are the results of showing compassion to our team? What are some simple ways to show we care?

GREAT MANAGERS CARE

Of all the soft skills, this one is probably one of the hardest. Why? As leaders, we have been taught to keep the line between business and personal quite clearly defined. Showing compassion can tend to make us feel like we have crossed a line that should not be crossed.

Research is showing, however, that the great managers really do care. And employees are responding very positively to that kind of attention. Here are a some of the benefits of showing genuine compassion, as reported by Gallup:

1. Employee loyalty – Employees that feel cared for are significantly more likely to stay with the organization.

2. Substantial productivity increases – The data shows that when people believe that someone at work is looking out for their welfare, they get more done with the same resources.

3. Greater employee engagement – They are much more involved in the mission of the organization at a meaningful mental and emotional level. This (along with great productivity) is important because Gallup has also been able to show a direct link between employee engagement and company profitability.

HOW DO WE SHOW COMPASSION

Here are a few, very simple examples:

1. Listen and remember. Make simple, casual inquiries about the person’s home/family life – and really listen to the answer. Being able to recall what they share at a future date also demonstrates genuine care.

2. Give them a break. If you see that the person isn’t feeling well, give them permission to go home and rest. The fact that you noticed and offered a remedy can go a long way.

3. Tell them you care. Send a hand-written note of support and encouragement to the family during tough times. Sometimes it is hard to know what to say. A simple note to let them know you are thinking about them will mean a great deal.

Seize the day!