Good morning.

I’m enjoying my first cup of the new week, and after making a comment on a LinkedIn post about the importance of leaders who care, I find myself here, writing this, for you.

If you are a leader, would you describe yourself as someone who cares?

If you are not a leader but aspire to be one in the future, how about you? Do you care?

You may ask “care about what?”

I’d like you instead to consider the question “care about whom?”

Caring about an idea, a solution to a problem, a piece of tech, a new strategy… sure, that’s important when you’re the visionary and driver.

But caring about the people – who will have to execute upon your vision, goals, plans, and dreams – is what matters most.

When I’m working with leaders in organizations, one of the telltale signs about whether or not they “get” change, is how they interact with and demonstrate care for their people, through actions and words.

American writer, John Gardner, said…

The renewal of societies and organizations can go forward only if someone cares.

When a leader decides it’s time to do something new, they are embarking on a renewal.

This can be true for society as a whole as well as an organization… or a business unit, a department, a team.

It’s great to have big ideas, high-level plans, and stretch goals, but the proof will be in your capabilities to make them happen.

That hinges on a couple of things… the ability to execute is one. Starting and persevering are key. The other is caring. Not just caring if something will work, but also caring about those who will have to change the way they work so they can activate your idea.

Care. And show you care.

Sometimes, it’s that simple.

Have a great week!