During the first full day of the 2015 NSCA Business and Leadership Conference, executive coach and award-winning speaker Edgar Papke had a general session talking about “Linking Company Culture With Customer Needs.”
During the afternoon breakout session he was able to explore another avenue of psychology; “Leading Generously.”
Papke began the conversation speaking about how to take care of the employees around you. There are several areas you can focus on from compensation to training.
However, the main resource you can give that doesn’t cost you revenue out of pocket is your time. With that, Papke set out to explain his “eight no-cost ways to influence.”
1. Appreciation. This is where you take the time to recognize the employee simply for who they are. It is reminiscent of mindfulness. In this case, you are mindful of who they are and appreciate them for just that. Nothing more, nothing less.
2. Listening. Active listening is a powerful tool to enforce you care about the other person. When you take the time to listen and make sure you understand it speaks volumes about the value you place on that person.
3. Gratitude. The simple act of saying “Thank You” will go a long way in making someone want to do more.
4. Knowledge. This is a big one for me. One of the greatest joys is sharing with someone else the knowledge you have accumulated. I have been the recipient of this form of generosity and the one giving it. It’s a great way to connect with others. Papke said, “When we give others knowledge, we give ourselves a life gift.”
5. Commitment. This is a promise to the other person that you will be responsible for your actions.
6. Compassion. Compassion is more than just feeling sorry for someone else, it is putting yourself in their shoes. It is your ability to empathize and see the situation from their eyes.
7. Acceptance. Saying that you accept people as they are.
8. Intimacy. Giving of yourself and knowing them as well.
Taking these eight points into your relationships is about building your people up and strengthening your relationship. With them, you can make yourself a better person, and a better leader.
