Supportive Leadership

Over my career I have worked for a few organizations. I have had the opportunity to watch multiple leaders in action who display multiple styles of leadership. Out of every organization one thing I see is that many leaders have trouble treating the help well. This is a challenge at all levels which is one reason I admire leaders who are very aware of the emotional help of their help. Those leaders that take the time out of their busy schedules to provide an empathetic ear to what I occurring is their subordinates lives, knowing they probably can’t change much but allowing individuals to unburden and just listen. I have always admired those that take that time and are truly in someone else’s space.

This week I had the opportunity to do just that with a coworker who was having a bad day. Their leader started the day off with a dressing down of everyone. I knew what was said as I was present. I could see some frustration building as this co-worker had left a toxic work environment and taken a new job on. He didn’t mind being made aware of potential problems and how he could improve but he wished it could have been done in a different manner. He started off the day in a negative mindset. He felt put down. During our break I noticed he was still having a rough day and needed to talk. Over coffee and energy drinks I gave him an opportunity to unburden what was frustrating him. I didn’t say much and allowed him to get it all off his chest. When that was done