The Modern Leader

You may have heard this before:

A bad manager sacrify people for numbers. A good manager sacrify numbers for people

In reality, a good manager is responsible for both: people & numbers. As a manager, it’s natural to feel a certain amount of pressure to perform. With targets to hit and goals to achieve, it can be tempting to focus so much on the numbers, pushing your team to work harder and faster to hit those all-important success metrics.

But at what cost?

When you prioritize the numbers above all else, it’s easy to forget that there are real people behind them. People with families, hobbies, and dreams, people who have chosen to give their time and talent to your organization.

That’s why a good manager always puts their people first, even if it means sacrificing some of those numbers. Here’s why.

Protecting Your Most Valuable Asset

Your team members are your most valuable asset. They are the ones who make the magic happen, who take your ideas and turn them into reality. They are the ones who are there day after day, putting in the hard work and dedication needed to keep your organization moving forward.

By prioritizing their needs, you are protecting and investing in that asset. You are showing your team members that you value and appreciate them and that you are willing to go to bat for them when it matters.

Creating a Culture of Trust

When your team knows that you have their best interests at heart, it creates a culture of trust. Members know that they can come to you with problems, ideas, and concerns and that you will always do what is best for them.

In turn, this trust leads to increased engagement, job satisfaction, and overall well-being. Research shows that team members who feel valued and supported are more likely to go the extra mile, look for ways to improve processes, and to stick around for the long haul.

The Modern Leader

A modern leader is a person who is trust-centred, and who knows that the success of your organization is not just about hitting the numbers. It’s about creating a culture of engagement, creativity, and innovation that inspires your team members to be their best selves.

To do this, you understand that putting people first is non-negotiable. You go beyond traditional notions of leadership to prioritize the needs of your team members, creating a workplace that is both productive and highly fulfilling.

Here are some key characteristics of a modern leader who is committed to putting people first.

1. Has Compassion

For modern leaders, empathy is at the heart of everything they do. They take the time to understand their team members as individuals, whether it’s by listening to their concerns, actively seeking out feedback, or simply showing compassion in difficult situations.

By doing so, modern leaders create a culture of trust and collaboration that fosters open communication and a sense of belonging.

2. Has a Growth Mindset

A modern leader understands that the pie doesn’t get smaller when it is shared. A growth mindset means that you see opportunities as limitless, and you prioritize shared success over individual gain.

This means investing in your team member’s professional development, recognizing and rewarding excellence, and fostering a sense of camaraderie and collaboration.

3. Focus on Purpose

Modern leaders know that a strong sense of purpose is essential for success. They work to align team members’ personal goals with the larger mission of the organization, creating a sense of shared purpose that creates meaning and fulfilment in their work.

This means taking the time to understand what motivates your team members, and constantly communicating how their work contributes to the larger goals of your organization.

4. Be Courageous

A modern leader is not afraid to take risks – not recklessly, but with a clear vision and strong strategy in place. This means creating a culture of experimentation and innovation, where team members are encouraged to take calculated risks and learn from failures.

By empowering your team members to take risks and try new things, you create a culture of innovation that keeps your organization at the forefront of your industry.

Improving Performance

It’s a common misconception that putting your people first means sacrificing results. In reality, the opposite is often true.

When team members feel supported, they are more likely to be engaged, focused, and productive. They are more likely to take pride in their work and strive for excellence because they know that their efforts matter.

This can result in better outcomes, happier customers, and a more meaningful impact on your organization.

Conclusion

As a manager, it can be tempting to prioritize the numbers above all else. However, this quote wisely reminds us that a good manager is someone willing to put their people first, even if it means sacrificing some of those numbers.

In today’s rapidly-evolving business landscape, effective leadership is no longer just about hitting the numbers. It’s about creating a workplace culture that inspires, motivates, and engages your team members, empowering them to be their best selves.

As a modern leader, by investing in your team members, you are protecting your most valuable asset, creating a culture of trust, and improving performance. In doing so, you are not only helping your organization thrive today but laying the groundwork for success in the future.