Is there a place for compassion at work?
Fact: people are more productive and engaged when they feel they matter to the leaders they work for.
Therefore, the million-dollar question is whether you make people feel they matter. And if you think so, are you sure? Have you asked them?
“Have you asked?” is my favorite question.
Have you asked whether people trust you?
Have you asked whether people feel safe?
Have you asked whether they feel you appreciate them?
Have you asked whether they feel you care?
So… Have you asked?
Likewise, ‘Did you discuss this?’ is also a great question to ask.
People often come to people like you as their manager (or even as a parent) and provide you with concerns about somebody they’re dealing with. Don’t fall into the trap of giving advice. First, check if they discussed the matter with the individual it concerns. Very often, it will show that they didn’t. They’re incapable, afraid, or both to have the conversation. They want you to do the work for them. Don’t fall into that trap.
Ask them: “Did you discuss this?”. Let them discuss it, help prepare them for the conversation, and provide feedback afterward.
