If You Take Care of Your People, Everything Else Takes Care of Itself
Why Investing in Your Team Yields the Greatest Returns
When I first became a CEO fourteen years ago at the company I founded, I thought that my job was strategy. I was the general, moving pieces on the board, coming up with innovative ideas, and developing a grand strategy for success. I was wrong. Over time, I came to the most important realization of my career. A realization so important that it became an obsession: If you take care of your people, everything else takes care of itself. Now this is a cornerstone of my philosophy as the CEO of B:Side Capital.
This simple yet powerful idea – that the well-being of team members is the foundation of any organization's success – has transformative implications. In the following paragraphs, we'll explore the essence of people-centric leadership, its impact on motivation, cohesion, and innovation, practical strategies for putting people first, and how to navigate the challenges that arise along the way.
The Essence of Leadership
At its core, leadership is about enabling and inspiring others to achieve a common goal. But the traditional models of leadership, with their focus on results and metrics, often miss the most crucial element: the people who make those results possible. People-centric leadership, in contrast, recognizes that the well-being and development of team members is the primary driver of organizational success.
We see this philosophy embodied in some of the world's most successful leaders. Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, has transformed the company's culture from one of internal competition to one of empathy and collaboration. Herb Kelleher, co-founder of Southwest Airlines, was legendary for putting his employees first, famously saying, "The business of business is people." These leaders understand that when you prioritize your people, the results follow naturally.
The Impact of Prioritizing People
When leaders make their team members' well-being a top priority, the effects ripple throughout the organization. First and foremost, it leads to increased motivation and engagement. The psychological underpinnings are clear: when people feel valued and cared for, they are more invested in their work and more willing to go the extra mile.
This is borne out in real-world examples. Companies like Salesforce and Google, renowned for their employee-centric cultures, consistently see high levels of employee satisfaction translating into increased productivity and business success. By offering comprehensive benefits, emphasizing work-life balance, and maintaining open communication, these companies create environments where people are motivated to do their best work.
Prioritizing people also enhances team cohesion and loyalty. When leaders foster trust and show genuine care for their team members, it creates a sense of unity and shared purpose. This loyalty becomes a powerful force in overcoming challenges, as seen in IBM's turnaround under Lou Gerstner in the 1990s. By focusing on cultivating a unified, loyal workforce, Gerstner was able to restore the company to profitability against daunting odds.
Finally, a people-first approach is a catalyst for innovation and creativity. When employees feel secure and supported, they are more willing to take risks, share ideas, and think outside the box. This is the principle behind initiatives like Google's "20% time," which encourages employees to spend a portion of their work week on passion projects. By empowering people to pursue their interests, Google has sparked innovations like Gmail and AdSense, which have become integral to its success.
Practical Strategies for Putting People First
So how can leaders put these principles into practice? It starts with communication. Fostering open, honest dialogue is essential for building trust and understanding the needs of your team. Techniques like active listening, regular check-ins, and transparent decision-making can go a long way in making people feel heard and valued.
Investing in your team members' professional development is another key strategy. By providing opportunities for growth, whether through training, mentorship, or stretch assignments, you demonstrate your commitment to their long-term success. And when people are growing and developing, they bring new skills and perspectives that can lead to breakthroughs for the organization.
Recognition is also a powerful tool. Acknowledging and appreciating people's contributions, both publicly and privately, reinforces their value to the team and keeps them engaged. This doesn't have to be complicated – a sincere "thank you," a handwritten note, or a small gesture of appreciation can make a big impact.
Navigating Challenges
Of course, putting people first isn't always easy. It requires balancing individual needs with organizational goals, and there may be resistance from those used to more traditional, hierarchical leadership models. In times of stress or crisis, it can be tempting to revert to a command-and-control approach.
But it's precisely in these moments that a commitment to people is most important. By maintaining open lines of communication, providing support, and involving team members in problem-solving, leaders can navigate challenges while strengthening loyalty and trust. It's about staying true to your values and remembering that your people are your most valuable asset.
Conclusion
In the end, the leadership philosophy of putting people first is about recognizing a fundamental truth: organizations are made up of people, and people are the ultimate drivers of success. By making the well-being and development of team members your top priority, you create the conditions for motivation, cohesion, innovation, and, ultimately, exceptional results.
To current and aspiring leaders, the call to action is clear: reassess your priorities and put your people at the center. Embrace the transformative power of a people-first approach, and watch as it cascades into every aspect of your organization. Because when you take care of your people, everything else falls into place. Your team will be more engaged, more innovative, more resilient. And as they flourish, so too will your organization – not just in terms of metrics and milestones, but in the deeper sense of fulfilling its purpose and making a real difference in the world.
In leadership, as in life, it's about the people you journey with. Take care of them, and they will take care of everything else. That's the secret to enduring success and the heart of truly great leadership.