WC CFO TheStrategicCFO#44 Online NZ Final - Flipbook - Page 1
WHY CARING, COMPASSION AND COMMITMENT are vital qualities for leaders
It can be uncomfortable to answer those
questions, and it takes commitment to
follow through on what those answers
highlight that the leader should do or not
do. To make this easier to do, it can help
to lay the groundwork by considering
these six ideas:
1. Be prepared to self-reflect – so the
leader is in tune with how they are
feeling, thinking and ultimately
reacting to what is going on around
them
2. Welcome all types of news – even
news that is difficult to hear. Not
only is the leader’s reaction a test of
their character, it sets the standard
for what happens in the future and
how likely team members will be in
raising issues
3. Beware of gatekeepers - whilst
support staff will often be acting
with good intent, if access to
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the leader is heavily controlled
and limited they will miss out
on important connections and
conversations
4. Take the time to walk the floor casually walking around the office
and incidental conversations are an
invaluable way of finding out what
is going on
5. Don’t silence the dissenters - it is
often the person with the dissenting
opinion or the one asking the
probing questions who can help the
leader shift perspectives and make a
wiser decision
6. Build the emotional quotient – seek
ways to build connections with the
team, spend time with them and
actively demonstrate care
The benefits from this approach are
the flow on to team engagement and
motivation. The leader’s team will
recognise and appreciate the efforts to
connect with them on an emotional level
and know the leader has their back. With
that support in place, they’ll be more
willing to innovate, learn and try new
things as they strive to secure progress.
In the words of author, John C Maxwell,
People do not care how
much you know until
they know how much
you care.
”
