Have You Tried The CARE Method Yet?

As a manager of people, leaders face the challenge of multitasking just to keep up (not get ahead).

It’s tempting to focus on what you’re not doing vs. what you should focus on.

Acronyms are easy to remember, so here’s one that’s helped me lead others through the years.

CARE

• C stands for connect

• A is for accountability

• R stand for real

• E is to empower

Let me briefly explain how to practically apply this to your managerial toolbox.

Connect. This is foundational as a manager. Figure out how to prove to your people you actually care about them as human beings. Usually it’s finding something you have in common and building off that. Here’s an example of where the art of leadership matters more than the skill of leadership. You have to be curious, genuine and intentional. It’s about building trust in a relationship.

Accountability. We’d all love it if managing was all about liking each other, but it’s not. Stuff needs to get done, goals need to be accomplished and it’s on you as the leader to make sure your team is performing at a high standard. This is about following up with people to complete the task respectfully. It’s easier to hold your people accountable with a strong connection.

Real. I like to think of this one as keeping it real. Be honest. If someone is underperforming let them know. They may not like it, but remember it’s not your job to be their friend. On the contrary, praise them when they do a good job. Managers are not always the bearer of bad news, but they have to be willing to deliver it when needed. If leaders are trusted, constructive feedback is taken more willingly because it’s given from a place of care.

Empower. This bleeds leadership development. If you want to start with the end goal in mind this is it. Your job as a leader is to bring out the best in others. You accomplish that by leveraging individual strengths and putting people in a position to succeed. It’s not as simple as delegating without direction (I’ve seen plenty of that before). It’s providing guidance with a dash of autonomy from the beginning. If the job gets done, don’t worry about the means that got them there (the opposite is a micromanager). Teach independence to get the job done, not dependence on leadership.

In addition to the CARE method, it’s about showing, not telling them as a leader.

Here’s another video highlighting soft skills that aid your efforts to CARE for your people.

If you haven’t figured it out already business comes down to systems.

Why is that relevant?

Because leadership is about systems too.

Your style, communication preference, how you deal with chaos, etc. defines your leadership personal brand.

Yes it’s a lot to think about, but that’s leadership in a nutshell.

I hope some of these tips can help you as a leader (no matter where you are in your journey).

And if you need this messaging in the form of a talk, workshop or coaching reply to this email and let’s connect more.

God Bless,

Scott

P.S. Speaking of keeping it real. Here’s my speaking reel below in case you want to hire me!