This past month, I had the pleasure of presenting at a unique event, DistruptHR. DisruptHR is a series of events happening in various cities around the U.S., intended to disrupt the way we think about the traditional function of Human Resources. Each speaker gets 5 minutes, 20 slides total (or in my case 14 slides) The Atlanta event had fourteen speakers and I had a great time presenting my disruptive topic, ‘Leadership Lessons I Learned From a Homeless Man.’

You can watch the quick video to hear the whole story and I’ve inserted some key lessons your employees would like for you to keep in mind when you are dealing with them on a daily basis:

1.When I am talking, please listen to me – employees want to have reliable and meaningful conversations and receive honest feedback from you

2. Give me help not lip service – your employees want you to help them achieve their professional and sometimes their personal goals, even if they don’t tell you

3. Make time for me – your employees want you to engage with them; be there when they need you and when they aren’t sure if they need you

4. I have value, I am worth your effort – you can show you value your employees and contributions buy acknowledging them and celebrate successes

5. Treat me with kindness – Leaders, love is NOT over rated. You can show compassion and love to employees in small ways, like looking them in the eyes when they are talking to you.

The next time you see a homeless person on the side of the road, I hope you will stop and get involved; help them if they want or it need. Even if you don’t I hope you will remember these few leadership lessons and if you are a leader, incorporate them into your daily interactions with your employees.

If you’d like your leadership team to work together better, give us a call or drop us an email. We’d be happy to discuss your specific situation and how we might be able to work together to achieve your business goals.