Recently I asked many of you and the fine folks with whom I’m connected on social media to tell me what sorts of things leaders do that shows they care about their employees teams.

In total, I got a ton of responses from Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Thanks so much for all the input and great ideas. In the interest of not having a post that takes 17 hours to read, I picked out a few of the ideas to share here that seemed to represent the general themes that emerged from all of your thoughts and ideas. So…

Here’s what YOU, my connections, colleagues, friends, and readers said that leaders do that means something to you. Stated differently, leaders, here are some things that show our teams we care about them in meaningful ways.

 

1. Leaders defend their teams when appropriate.

@MattMonge #WorkplaceMojo Defending the team to others, when appropriate

 

2. Leaders truly listen.

The leader listens to the team, instead of unilaterally dismissing every idea they have. #workplacemojo

@MattMonge Hi Matt, I believe that a leader expresses his care the most when he takes the time to listen #WorkplaceMojo

 

3. Leaders don’t patronize. They empathize.

@MattMonge #workplacemojo : deeply seated empathy not the patronizing, manipulative variety

 

4. Leaders give credit where it’s due.

#workplacemojo – giving credit where credit is due.

 

5. Leaders motivate and excite.

@MattMonge the leader motivates me and the team and is excited about innovative ideas and the success of the team #workplacemojo

 

6. Leaders create space for their teams to what they do best.

@MattMonge A leader cares about his/her team when he/she empowers them to achieve great things & make & keep customers happy. #WorkplaceMojo

 

7. Leaders provide opportunities for their team members to be challenged and grow.

Feeling heard, acknowledging the challenges & given opportunities 2 show growth/responsibility @ work equals good leadership #WorkplaceMojo

 

8. Leaders show appreciation.

… they say thanks & well done occasionally & recognise the hard work & energy that goes into things IMHO @MattMonge #WorkplaceMojo

 

9. Leaders make time to mentor.

@MattMonge I know my #leader cares because she’s extremely busy but still finds time to mentor, grow great teams #inspiring #WorkplaceMojo

Leaders show they care for those they lead by discovering and supporting the dreams of those they lead & making them leaders #WorkplaceMojo

 

10. Leaders trust their teams, even when the chips are down.

giving space/trust after mistakes, instead of rejection – interest in private life – standing up for you/team @MattMonge #WorkplaceMojo

 

11. Leaders assume positive intent.

@MattMonge When they walk in the room, they assume you/the team are trying to do the right things. #workplacemojo

 

12. Leaders accept responsibility for their team not meeting expectations instead of blaming the team for not meeting expectations.

@MattMonge #WorkplaceMojo accepting responsibility for team mistakes or failures

 

See any ideas you’d piggyback on? What would you add to the list? What other things show you a leader cares about his or her team?