It is a well-kept secret for some reason that love and business can be synonymous. Before you judge me as woo-woo or too touchy feely you need to know the facts: 30% of workers in the US are engaged in their jobs for many reasons. One of those reasons is that they don't feel appreciated by their immediate supervisor. I have written about appreciation before and to me love is a form of appreciation. By appreciating people more often, this increases engagement metrics like absenteeism, morale, and productivity to name a few.
So I was stunned the other day that a middle manager in a local manufacturer told me that he had an epiphany recently: that he wants to bring more love to his staff. This grown man actually used these words and I was lock, stock and barrel with him, on the edge of my seat. Since I don't often hear things like this, but believe it myself, I was ready to unpack what he meant by it. He realized that he is in the position to help steward his supervisees to feel more connected to each other, to their jobs, and to themselves. He realized that he can take strategic actions to boost the support and care that he exhibits on a daily or weekly basis.
I applaud this manager for his vulnerability, for his commitment to well-being of the whole, and his risk taking. He told me too that he appreciates immensely his immediate boss, the CEO. I told him to go to the CEO and 'give him the love'. Supervisors need attention too, and it can be lonely at the top. This manager indeed did go into the CEO's office right after our meeting and gave the love. It had a ripple effect. The CEO then emailed me and told me that he loves me and the manager, which then I in turn gave it back! It was a complete love-fest.
Don't underestimate this power. We all have it. We all need it. We all can give it. Release the blockages that you have and let it flow freely. When a whole department or company can do this, the culture shifts and it feels more affiliative, more harmonious. And the proof is in the data. Companies that love up on their employees not only perform better but are the best places to work. I want to thank this manager for amping up the love and being brave enough to let it shine in one of the most unlikely places. My mind is effectively blown.