September 3, 2024
The Power of Valuing People: How Great Leadership Transforms Teams
Why People Don’t Leave Jobs—They Leave Managers
A Personal Story: When Leadership Misses the Mark
Over 15 years ago, I was working as a supervisor and had temporarily been placed at a top-performing store during a period of internal restructuring. During those two weeks, I didn’t just meet expectations—I exceeded them, becoming the top performer at that store. It was a testament to what can happen when you’re supported by great leadership. The manager there wasn’t just focused on numbers; he genuinely cared about my goals and was invested in my success. He recognized my efforts, made me feel valued, and even fought to keep me at his store when the company decided to transfer me elsewhere. Unfortunately, despite his efforts, I was moved to a kiosk location under a different manager.
That’s when everything changed.
The new location came with its own set of challenges. The community we served was predominantly Spanish-speaking, and although the job had traditionally required a bilingual employee, I didn’t speak Spanish. Every day was a struggle to communicate and serve the customers effectively. But what made it worse was the lack of support from my new leadership. I was creative and resourceful—I started reaching out to existing customers over the phone, helping them renew contracts and order new devices. My efforts helped boost the kiosk’s performance, moving it from the bottom to one of the top five in the state.
But despite these achievements, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being undervalued and unsupported. The leadership at this location didn’t care about the challenges I faced or the efforts I was making to overcome them. They rarely visited, and when they did, it was clear they were just there to check off a box on their to-do list. There was no genuine interest in my growth or well-being—just a focus on the numbers. My concerns were brushed aside, and I was left to figure things out on my own. It was demoralizing, to say the least.
Ultimately, I realized that staying in an environment where I felt insignificant and unsupported wasn’t an option. I was a high-performing, high-energy, and extremely motivated employee, and yet, the leadership’s lack of care made me feel like just another cog in the machine. So, I made the decision to leave.
The Consequences of Poor Leadership
My story is far from unique. When leaders focus solely on metrics and overlook the well-being and development of their team, they risk losing their most valuable asset: their people. The cost of turnover is high—not just financially, but in terms of lost knowledge, disrupted team dynamics, and the demotivation of those who remain.
Leaders who fail to recognize and nurture the potential of their team members are setting themselves up for failure. A high-performing employee who feels undervalued and unsupported will eventually look for a workplace where their contributions are appreciated and their growth is prioritized.
What Can Leaders Do Differently?
If you’re in a leadership position, or aspiring to be, here’s what you need to keep in mind to retain your top talent:
1. Value More Than Just Numbers: Metrics are important, but they shouldn’t be the sole focus. Take the time to understand the challenges your team faces and offer the support they need to overcome them.
2. Show Genuine Interest: Don’t just visit your team when it’s time to meet a quota or check off a task. Engage with them regularly, listen to their concerns, and show that you care about their professional growth.
3. Recognize and Reward Effort: Make it a point to recognize not just the results but the effort that goes into achieving them. Acknowledging hard work fosters loyalty and motivation.
4. Be Present and Involved: Leadership isn’t about sitting in an office and managing from afar. Be present, be involved, and make sure your team knows you’re there to support them every step of the way.
These are just a few actionable steps to help you become a more effective leader, but they’re by no means exhaustive. Great leadership is a continuous journey that involves constant learning, self-reflection, and adaptation. By focusing on valuing your people, being genuinely engaged, and consistently showing up for your team, you lay the foundation for a thriving, empowered, and motivated workforce.
- The Bottom Line
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My experience taught me that leadership is about more than just managing tasks and hitting targets—it’s about respecting and valuing the people who help you achieve those goals. When leaders fail to invest in their employees, they don’t just lose high performers—they lose the opportunity to build a truly successful and motivated team.
As you reflect on your own leadership journey, ask yourself: Are you creating an environment where people feel valued and supported? Because if not, you might find that your top performers, like I once was, start looking for opportunities elsewhere.
Ready to Achieve Balance?
If this story resonated with you, it’s time to reflect on your own leadership journey. Whether you’re already in a leadership role or striving to become a stronger leader in your own life, the foundation of great leadership is the same: respect, support, and genuine care. It’s never too early—or too late—to start building these qualities. Ready to take your leadership potential to the next level? As an experienced leadership mentor with over 20 years of corporate leadership and personal transformation, I offer personalized coaching to guide you on your journey to becoming a confident and influential leader. Let’s work together to unlock your potential.
Schedule a free coaching session with me today and let’s work together to build your confidence, enhance your leadership abilities, and create a positive impact in your career and life.
