The Heart of Leadership: Investing in Our People
“You first must touch the heart before you ask for the hand.” – John Maxwell
“Put your heart into it!” is an old directive we’ve all heard. As students, parents and teachers told us to put our heart into studying because grades and knowledge are important to success. As athletes, coaches encouraged us to play with heart because it makes us more skilled and therefore more competitive. Putting our heart into anything usually equated with a high level of enthusiasm, skill, and care.
Now we are at varying levels of leadership in the contemporary workforce, and we need individuals who care deeply about their work, take the initiative, and strive to see the organization succeed. We need people who will put their heart into it!
But how do we foster this kind of dedication? Can we simply tell them to care more? The answer is no. But there are five practical things we can do to nurture an environment that encourages them to bring their heart to the job, and it begins with investing in the people who are doing the jobs.
- Foster Genuine Relationships♥
As Maxwell’s quote suggests, connecting with people on a personal level is essential for effective leadership. Take the time to get to know your team members—their aspirations, challenges, and motivations. Authentic relationships build trust, which in turn strengthens commitment and collaboration. Show empathy and understanding, and your team will be more likely to go the extra mile.
- Provide Ongoing Learning Opportunities♥
Investing in training and professional development demonstrates that you value your team’s growth. Research shows that companies offering comprehensive training programs enjoy 218% higher income per employee than those without—a clear testament to the impact of education on organizational success. Whether it’s through workshops, certifications, or mentorship programs, giving employees the chance to learn and grow creates loyalty and enhances their contributions. - Recognize and Celebrate Achievements♥
Acknowledging hard work and success is a simple yet powerful way to invest in your people. Recognition doesn’t have to be extravagant—a heartfelt “thank you” or a team-wide shoutout can go a long way. When employees feel appreciated, they are more motivated to perform at their best. Celebrating milestones, both big and small, builds a culture of positivity and support. - Empower Decision-Making♥
Show your team that you trust their abilities by giving them autonomy to make decisions within their roles. Empowered employees feel a sense of ownership and responsibility, which often leads to higher job satisfaction and productivity. Let them know that their ideas and input are valued and encourage a culture of innovation and problem-solving. - Equip and Enlarge♥
Investing in your team means providing the resources, tools, and support they need to excel. This includes physical tools, like updated technology or equipment, as well as emotional support, like regular check-ins and constructive feedback. Equipping your team fosters competence, while enlarging their roles by offering growth opportunities fosters confidence.
As the above list indicates, investing in people goes beyond transactional leadership. It’s about building trust, forming relationships, and communicating high standards of excellence in a way that inspires rather than intimidates. Touching the heart before asking for the hand isn’t simply good leadership advice; it’s the foundation for a thriving, high-performing organization. Take the time to invest in the people who work for you, and you will see more of them putting their heart into their jobs.
Put your heart into leading with excellence.
Jeff
