How The Best Leaders Master The Art Of Authentic Care

Leadership is often characterized by charisma, influence, and power. However, a crucial quality that distinguishes the most successful leaders frequently goes unnoticed – that is authentic care. Diving deep into this overlooked aspect of leadership reveals its pivotal role in shaping an environment that nurtures community, strengthens relationships, and fosters success.

Genuine care in leadership transcends the fulfillment of obligations or duties. It embodies a sincere concern for people, causes, and the environment. Brian Schubring, founder of Leadership Vision, says leaders who do this well, do it almost because they can’t do anything else.

It’s almost as if they don’t know how to live life without caring for someone. And that care is like a magnet that attracts other people to them, which gives these leaders more opportunities to care.

Brian Schubring | Founder, Leadership Vision

How Does a Leader Care?

The roots of such caring attitudes can be traced to nurturing environments, while others may develop this through confronting professional changes and challenges. Regardless of its origin, genuine care emerges as a distinctive characteristic, attracting individuals and building trust.

If you want to look for examples of leaders who exhibit these characteristics, you don’t need to look only to the boardroom or C-suite of top leaders. Examining the lives of everyday heroes, from office managers to retired executives, uncovers exemplary demonstrations of authentic care. Their earnest interest in others, willingness to engage in meaningful conversations, and desire to make a difference mark the essence of caring leadership.

Who is someone in your life who demonstrates these levels of care?

Connecting Care to Job Satisfaction

Acknowledging and receiving care significantly enhances a leader’s ability to guide and support their team. It also plays a significant role in job satisfaction. According to Philip G. Clampitt, co-author of Leading with Care in a Tough World: Beyond Servant Leadership,

In the surveys we’ve conducted for our research, we discovered that lower job satisfaction scores almost always occurred when the leader lacked the skill to meaningfully care for employees.

Philip G. Clampitt, co-author, “Leading with Care in a Tough World: Beyond Servant Leadership”

Leaders need to recognize the existence of a gap between the intention to care and the perception of caring. Leaders can successfully bridge this gap by cultivating mindfulness, empathy, and compassion, ensuring their care is heartfelt and effectively communicated. This creates a better working environment for everyone.

The role of communities and relationships in caring leadership cannot be overstated. Leaders who exhibit care often surround themselves with caring communities, reinforcing their ability to care for others. By nurturing these connections, leaders can amplify their capacity to demonstrate authentic care.

Authentic care is a transformative force in leadership, demanding mindfulness, compassion, empathy, and a profound connection to humanity. By practicing authentic care, leaders have the potential to create an atmosphere that encourages trust, community, and resilient relationships, paving the way for success.

Whether you are stepping into leadership or have long been established in the role, mastering the art of authentic care can be a transformative experience. It extends beyond fulfilling duties and obligations – it is about cultivating a genuine concern for people and causes. Embracing the power of genuine care in leadership leads to the fortification of relationships, the enhancement of trust, and, ultimately, success!

In what ways do you care for the people in your life? Share a few examples and look for opportunities to express genuine care with those around you today.