When I came across this quote while reading Crushing by T.D. Jakes, I knew it was perfect for this Valentine’s Day Friday Focus. It’s a reminder that my effectiveness as a leader with those I influence is a heart matter. I need to have a connection to those I’m leading. I need to truly care about them as people not just what they provide to me as a leader.

I feel in many ways we’ve grown away from this type of thinking. We’re too afraid to truly have a connection with people. Instead we want to see people as tools we can use to accomplish whatever goal it is we have. Then we wonder why there’s no loyalty or why people give only their bare minimum.

As a leader ask yourself this question, would you rather follow someone who you know genuinely cares about you as a person or someone who sees you as a replaceable part? I would rather follow the person that cares about me. I will not only follow them but I’ll do my best to help them succeed as well.

When we take the time to truly get to know people and care about them and their goals it’s a win/win situation. So on this day when we’re focused on the heart, ask yourself if your heart is where it needs to be with those you lead.

Evolution of Self!