Source: Leticia Bertin, Creative Commons
One day a student asked anthropologist Margaret Mead for the earliest sign of civilization in a given culture. He expected the answer to be a clay pot or perhaps a fishhook or grinding stone. Her answer was “a healed femur.” Mead explained that no healed femurs are found where the law of the jungle, the survival of the fittest, reigns. A healed femur shows that someone cared. Someone had to hunt and gather for the injured person until the leg healed. That caring evidence of compassion, according to Mead, is the first sign of civilization.
Great leaders demonstrate such caring. This expression is more than empathy or a heart for the needy. It is a compelling conviction to care enough to become involved and help others by taking some action that will improve their lives or set them on a fresh course.
Qualities That Demonstrate Caring
Over the next few “Trust Me” blog posts, we’ll be delving deeper into the qualities that are demonstrated by caring leaders. For today’s post, let’s get a birds eye view.
Understanding
Leaders need to be acutely aware of other people’s needs, focus, dreams, and abilities before they can help their people achieve.
Concern
The good Samaritan did not hesitate. He moved quickly, then took the time necessary to give the hurt man attention. This is sincere concern.
Caring in action
Communication, confrontation, and challenge are three of the best ways a leader puts “feet” to true caring.
- Communication—Get out of your office and communicate with your people. “Communication is connection.”
- Confrontation—This does not involve giving a report on another person’s behavior. Its goal, in the business environment, is to bring the employee, boss, or peer face to face with issues (behavior, emotions, achievement) that are being avoided.
Spontaneous Compassion
Effective leaders act spontaneously with a true heart of compassion, caring for the person regardless of the consequences.