The Gift of Time: Five Ways to Support Your Team
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle you know nothing about.” This quote resonates deeply with the reality of every person on your team. We’re all human, facing our own struggles and challenges.
When your team sees that you are genuinely there to support them, not to hinder them, the dynamic shifts. Over time, as they witness you consistently giving your time, talents, and gifts, they feel inspired to do the same. These gifts can be both tangible and intangible.
A genuinely kind leader can ignite action, foster meaningful work, and instill passion within a team. Passionate teams that engage in meaningful work consistently deliver outstanding results. The culture of such organizations is welcoming and comfortable, leading everyone to work hard out of genuine love for their workplace.
Kindness: The Unexpected Gift
Kindness is defined as “the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.” I also appreciate the definition of generous: “showing a readiness to give more of something than is strictly necessary or expected.” The beauty of kindness in leadership is that it is often unexpected, making it incredibly impactful. When we demonstrate genuine kindness and concern for our team members as individuals, the results are profound and well-received.
GIVE Your Time
One powerful way to show kindness to those you lead is by giving your time. Dedicate time to each person on your team. This effort will be noticed, appreciated, and beneficial for both you and your team members.
Here are five ways you can GIVE your time to your team:
1 – Arrive early and prepare
Start your day thirty minutes early to prepare for meaningful conversations with your team. This preparation sets the tone for effective and genuine interactions.
2 – Be present
Make it a priority to be present in your team’s work areas. Allocate time on your calendar to simply be there, engaging with your team in their environment.
3 – Offer assistance
Offer your help with specific tasks, deliverables, or projects. Your willingness to assist shows your commitment to their success.
4 – One-on-one meetings
Schedule weekly one-on-one meetings with each team member. Use this time to connect, discuss strategy, plan daily tactics, and exchange feedback.
5 – Team meetings
Hold weekly team meetings to bring everyone together. This ensures that all team members hear the same message simultaneously, fostering teamwork and collaboration.
Embrace these practices to create a supportive and thriving team environment where kindness and genuine concern lead to extraordinary results.
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