The most fundamental, yet sometimes challenging, concept!

“You manage things; you lead people.” — Grace Murray Hopper

Key Takeaway: True leadership means leading people, not just managing work. When you prioritize empathy and see each team member as an individual—not a resource—you inspire them to bring their best.

Leadership is the business of people nurturing

A basic concept, but sometimes challenging to remember and enact, is knowing that you lead people and you manage processes. If at any time you forget you are leading human beings with feelings, thoughts, and needs of their own, then you have failed. You must realize everyone is different, and that means you may need to lead them all differently. It will take different actions and words to motivate each person. To compel them to the best of their abilities.

Leaders can tend to think like “managers.” I need to get this project across the finish line, and my people are my resources. I have this process which must be completed, and I require this person to do it. While that is part of what a leader must consider, you must consider the person first as a person. Not just do they have the skills, but where is their head at currently? Already overloaded, a lot going on in their life?

A cornerstone to this concept is empathy. Do you care about each individual as an individual person, or just as a means to an end? Most will answer as an individual person, but what have you done to learn about this person and empathize with who they are? Make that your focus this week. Learn about each of your folks and how you can support them in their journey.

What does this look like:

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