As a leader in the business world, it is harder to notice when your people are going under or have been under too long if you don't have significant meaningful interaction with them. In this age where a large number of employees telework, it is important to have points each week where you can check on them. When an employee starts feeling overwhelmed, they can quickly start spiraling downward. It is also important to create an environment where employees can come to you if they are struggling. As a leader how do you create an environment where you can see those going under? And does that environment encourage them come to you before they sink?
"At the World Championships in Budapest in June, USA’s Anita Alvarez sank to the bottom of the pool. Looking across the deck, then noticing she was under way too long, her coach, Andrea Fuentes immediately dove in after her fully clothed, pulling her to safety. Anita was unconscious and didn’t have the capacity to kick, paddle, or help herself in any way. If Andrea had not have noticed, she would have drown. But she knew Anita. She looked for her, quickly noticed she was under too long, (nore than normal) then dove in without thinking twice. This has resonated with me…. When you are under too long, who are the people that will look for you, notice you aren't surfacing, and dive in to pull you to the surface when you lose your strength to swim in life? Who are the people that would do that for you? And can someone count on you to be that person that would go looking and notice when they are under too long, diving in to support them when they are all out of fight and fuel to swim in these turbulent waters we call life? "
Karen E. Lower
5mo
This is a great question! Having an open dialogue with employees allows you to see their performance and obstacles from a distance. Formal and informal touch points allow the conversations to focus on high-level as well as tactical level aspects of their job. One cannot engage their team too much.
Brooke Dehmer
5mo
So true & important! Unfortunately, the squeaky wheel gets the grease, so high functioning employees who don't speak up or ask for help often get overlooked.
William Johnson
5mo
Solid points, Jeff!
Speaker, Trainer, Coach
4moGreat comments everyone, allow me to leverage the conversation into a broader discussion focusing on integrity in leadership. One of the greatest existential threats facing our nation today is integrity in leadership. It is not just a desirable trait in leaders but a fundamental necessity for the well-being of individuals, organizations, and society as a whole. When leaders lack integrity, it erodes trust, damages relationships, and undermines the overall effectiveness and stability of the leadership structure. Leaders have a profound influence on those they lead, shaping the culture, values, and direction of the organization. When leaders prioritize integrity, they set a positive example for others to follow, fostering a culture of honesty, transparency, and accountability. This, in turn, strengthens trust among team members, enhances morale, and promotes a sense of unity and shared purpose. Conversely, when leaders lack integrity, it creates a toxic environment characterized by distrust, cynicism, and disengagement. Employees may feel demoralized and undervalued, leading to decreased productivity, increased turnover, and ultimately, organizational dysfunction.