How to Value People as Your Most Important Resource

Etech’s 12 Character Commitments: Part – 2

Over 12 years ago we made the decision to implement a new philosophy on leadership supporting our vision to make a remarkable difference for each other, our customers, and within our communities. Our goal was to inspire Etech’s leadership team to embrace the challenge to conform our company to a servant-led organization. The pillars of Etech’s servant leadership culture are our 12 leadership commitments.

Those commitments are:

• Being a positive influence
• Valuing others
• Leading with integrity
• Leading with humility
• Leading with courage
• Being a team player
• Communicate well
• Hold yourself and others accountable
• Adapt to change
• Be a lifelong learner
• Be creative
• Embrace, live, and cast our vision

In the last article, we covered ‘Positive Influence‘. In this one we are going to explore the Character commitment – ‘Valuing People’. I encourage each of you to read, embrace, and self-evaluate. I would be honored to hear your thoughts or feedback.

How Great Leaders Value People?

Today I will address valuing others. At Etech, valuing others is much more than recognizing contributions, it is valuing every person. Here are some examples of what it means to value others at Etech.

1.Show Appreciation

Regularly, specifically, and authentically acknowledge your team members’ efforts and publicly recognize them. Don’t just say “Hey Team, you did a good job yesterday at the meeting.” Be specific, “Team, I really appreciated how you handled the meeting yesterday with the team. You gave them clear direction and really brought everyone together with your examples.”

2.Provide Feedback

Provide regular and transparent feedback on their performance and progress. Let them know what they are doing right and what areas they need to improve on. When people know your care about them, constructive feedback becomes so much valuable. I once had a boss who told me that the day he stopped giving me constructive feedback was the day I would know that he stopped caring about me. Fortunately, that never happened!

3.Encourage them to grow and provide opportunities

Provide your team members with opportunities to develop their skills and experience. Give them challenging tasks and assignments that will stretch them. Prepare them for the next opportunity. We never know when the next opportunity will come along. But if you have people on your team who aspire to be a coach, HR professionals, recruiters, or whatever, it is your responsibility to help prepare them now for that moment.

4.Create a Supportive Environment

Create a team culture that is supportive and encourages collaboration. We are wired to be a part of the community. People feel valued when recognized as part of something bigger than themselves. Organize team activities both in the office and outside the office.

5.Offer Flexible Working Arrangements

The world has changed so much in the past 20 years. More and more single parents are in the workplace. More families have both parents working and my generation is now becoming caregivers for their parents. When possible, allow flexible working arrangements so that your team members can excel at both their work and personal life.

6.Encourage Wellness of Mind, Body, and Spirit

Etech invests in employee wellness initiatives such as workplace health programs and mental health support. As a leader, you can do more by discussing the importance of wellness with your team, organizing activities within your team, and being committed to yourself. For any one of us to give our best to each other, our customers, and our communities, we must be at our best. Showing others, you genuinely care about their overall well-being shows them that you value them as a person, not just a producer.

I hope this gives you some ideas to contemplate as we head full steam ahead into 2023.

Until next time, make you continue to make a difference in the lives of the people you touch each day.