Human Decency and the Modern CEO

As the leader of the team, you need to understand that your people have other priorities and responsibilities outside of the workplace. You also need to be a reliable source for help and understanding with those responsibilities, should they need it.

Helping your employees doesn’t stop once the work day is over, and can go past the walls of the office. When presented with a problem, your first step is to assess the issue and find a solution. For example, let’s say that one of your employees is having car troubles. Do they need help finding a garage? Do they need a ride home? How can you help in this scenario? Your employees should be able to come to you for assistance and be met with compassion and enthusiasm.

Help can also mean more than physical aid. Help can also mean advice and guidance. You have experience and knowledge that some of your people might not have and can’t access. Instead of needing a ride home, maybe they need advice on car loans, interest rates and financing for a new car.

Every employee needs to be valued as a person, not as a tool for profit. Get to know every member of the team, so you can discern if and where they need a helping hand or two. They might be comfortable and happy in the workplace, but struggling with responsibilities outside the workplace.

But, remember that every workplace dynamic needs limits, as well. While being available to guide your employees is a vital priority, they may need privacy rather than help. Just as you should offer support, you should offer privacy and respect.

You need to be a safety net for your team. Your resources and advice are available to them, even after they clock out for the day. Being able to offer your people these resources will help your team communication thrive personally and professionally. You have the tools necessary to help, you just need to know to whom and when to offer it.