Episode 171 - We Are Made to Care for Others

Summary

In this episode we explore the numerous benefits of building a culture of care at work.

Transcript

Welcome to episode 171 of the Leadership Today podcast where each week we bring research to life in your leadership. This week we explore how to build a culture of care at work.

Psychology demonstrates that we benefit not just from being cared for, but we’re also wired to care for others. Organisations can benefit from meeting this basic human need through a culture that fosters belonging, connections and care. This helps to build trust, effective communication, meaning and purpose. All of this contributes to productivity and effectiveness.

So how do we build a culture of care at work? Here are a few ideas:

1. Role-model the importance of care by actively caring for others. There’s no point expecting others to demonstrate care if it doesn’t start with us.

2. Recognise that care doesn’t have to be soft - it can be very practical. It can include demonstrating a genuine interest in the work of others, or offering to help somewhen when they are under pressure. 

3. Show appreciation. Genuine thanks for the contributions of others helps to show you care. Appreciation can often focus on outcomes, but it’s also worth recognising efforts even when they don’t produce the anticipated results.

4. Recognise and reward efforts to care for others. Celebrate the times when people have gone out of their way to care for others.

5. Look for opportunities to care for others outside your organisation. That might include extending care to your customers and in to the communities where you operate through charities. This helps provide additional meaning and purpose to the work we conduct.

Caring isn’t just good for the people we care for, it’s good for us as well. Why not grab one of these points and apply it this week.

If this was of interest, you’re going to really like our upcoming Leadership Today On-Demand conference on the theme “Belong”.