Two Simple Things People Want From Leaders
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Your team doesn’t need fireworks.
They don’t need a superhero, a culture survey, or another leadership mantra.
They need two things:
❤️ Love
🔍 Clarity
Love isn’t soft. It’s the act of seeing people. Of making sure they don’t feel invisible. And knowing that their leader cares.
Clarity isn’t certainty. It’s connection to purpose. Ensuring they know their work is important to the overall mission.
Only 4 in 10 employees strongly agree their supervisor, or someone at work, cares about them as a person. Double that and there would be a 41% reduction in absenteeism.
Only 1 in 3 employees strongly agree the mission or purpose of their organization makes them feel their job is important. Double that and there would be a 34% reduction in absenteeism and 19% improvement in quality.
If you want a team that shows up, speaks up, and steps up…
They need to know they’re seen.
And why they’re here.
Here are 5 ways to deliver love & clarity this week:
I.
Check in without checking a box.
Too many leaders “do 1:1s” but don’t show up for them. Drop the agenda. Start with, “How are you, really?”
👉 Try this: “What’s taking up the most mental space for you right now?”
II.
Say their name when they’re not in the room.
Recognition doesn’t cost a dime, and it changes lives. Public praise builds trust faster than private thanks.
👉 Try this: “I want to shout out [name] for stepping up this week. Here’s what stood out...”
III.
Be clear about the goal AND why it matters.
Most leaders are good at setting direction. Fewer explain the why. Your team’s not just completing tasks. They’re helping you win.
👉 Try this: “Here’s what’s on deck, and here’s why it’s important to our mission...”
IV.
Ask what they need and then actually act on it.
People feel seen when their feedback results in change. Love and clarity live in follow-through.
👉 Try this: “What’s one thing slowing you down right now?” (And then fix it if you can.)
V.
Not a leader? Be one anyway.
You don’t need a title to give people love and clarity. Your peers need to feel seen, too.
👉 Try this: “Hey, you crushed it on that. I hope you know how much that mattered.”
Your Unignorable Move
👀 Want a printable version of 10 easy ways to lead with love & clarity?
Grab the cheat sheet
It’s free and un-gated.
🌀 Share it with your team, your boss, or the person you wish would lead like this.
Your coach,
Chris
P.S. I help leadership teams build trust, alignment, and accountability—fast. The Leadership Operating System equips your leaders with the tools and coaching they need to drive real results. If your team could use more clarity, connection, or momentum, let’s chat.
