Episode 161: "The power of love in leadership."

Greetings, Summit Leaders.

Today, in business, we see leadership displayed through genuine caring for each other. Our emotions are significant drivers in our life and career success. Someone once said that "faith, hope, and love will remain, but the greatest of these is love."

Love is caring for another person. It is one of the most distinctive qualities of a leader. I am encouraged with Summit Leaders' expressing this type of heartfelt desire to see their colleagues, and ultimately our clients succeed.

It's fantastic to see love become part of our culture of caring for each other. The practice is not new. "Love your neighbor as you love yourself."

The opportunity is ours when we begin building this mindset into everything we do. With practice, the response of love, doing things for others with the right motivation becomes hard-wired in our brains.

Love moves us to action and builds resiliency. When we love what we do, choose to express love for those we serve, work with and lead, transformation occurs.

Think of someone who demonstrates love through genuinely caring about you and your best interest. Seek to be that kind of person. Love is a character quality we admire and remember.

"Strength of character is the one basic trait, which will be found in people who achieve greatness." Thomas J. Watson, Sr.

There is something about this type of leadership that changes the atmosphere wherever they go. People feel empowered by them and willing to give their best to the mission, the company, the family, and friendship. Love is a difference-maker in employee engagement and client satisfaction in the business.

People working in cultures where they feel free to express compassion and care for each other were more satisfied in their roles, committed to the organization, and accountable for performing with excellence.

Great leaders and growing leadership understand the impact of love in empowering people to overcome obstacles; "perfect love casts out fear" and enables one to perform at their best.

"Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love." –
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Great leaders practice the little actions of love. They give a warm smile, a kind note of appreciation, have a sympathetic ear. They persistently practice these habits daily and help create a culture of love, high employee engagement, productivity, and the leap in client satisfaction that comes with it.

Love is not a substitute for competency, hard work, discipline, and dedication. Love is a multiplier of these qualities in leadership.


Relationships are essential in business and life. Love is the highest level of a leadership relationship. From ancient times we are encouraged to "pursue love."

Love never fails. Be persistent.

So, how do we begin showing acts of caring motivated by love?

1. Think about the other person first. How can I add value to their lives today? Sometimes, it can be in the tone of voice when we leave a voice message during a cold call campaign.
2. Patience: Love is patient.
3. Be honest, especially if there is a problem.
4. Listen.
5. Recognize love in others and seek to emulate it.

Be courageous and bold. Perfect love casts out fear!

Victory!


References:
1. "Employees Who Feel Love Perform Better" by Sigal Barsade and Olivia A. O'Neill, Harvard Business Review
2. SELDI PODCAST: "The 3 P's are invaluable. - Overcoming Worry."
a. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-3-ps-are-invaluable-overcoming-worry/id1339827812?i=1000436376408