Take an Interest in People

August 17, 2010

From:  Maxwell, J. C. (2005).  The 360-degree leader: developing your influence from anywhere in the organization.  Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc.

This may sound too simple, but it really all starts here.  You have to show people that you care about them by taking an interest in them.  Many leaders are so action oriented and agenda driven that they don't make people a high enough priority.  If that describes you, then you need to turn that around.

I don't mean to sound crass, but it helps if you like people.  If you're not a people person, that may be the first step you need to take.  Look for value in every person.  Put yourself in other's shoes.  Find reasons to like them.  You won't take an interest in people if deep down you care nothing about them.  And if you care nothing about them, that flaw will always be a hindrance to your ability to lead people (Maxwell, 2005, p. 162).

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