It is a widely acknowledged fact that employees don’t typically leave companies—they leave managers. When a team feels underappreciated or disconnected, engagement levels plummet, and the organization risks losing its most valuable talent. To prevent this, it is essential for managers to actively demonstrate that they value their team members. Below are 10 proven strategies for showing your team that you genuinely appreciate their contributions and care about their well-being.

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1. Foster Genuine Curiosity

Developing a genuine curiosity about your team members is fundamental to building strong, trust-based relationships. Take the time to learn about their professional skills, past experiences, and personal interests. Show an authentic interest in their lives outside of work by discussing their hobbies or passions during regular check-ins. This demonstrates that you see them as more than just employees.

Real-life example: For example, Navy Officer Michael Abrashoff, known for transforming one of the least efficient ships in the U.S. Navy into the best-performing vessel, did so by getting to know his crew personally. By understanding them on a deeper level, he fostered innovation and improved processes that ultimately led to significant achievements. His leadership approach proves that understanding individuals beyond their job titles can have profound impacts on team dynamics and overall success.

2. Listen with Intent

Active listening is an indispensable skill that many leaders overlook. Listening goes beyond simply hearing words; it involves interpreting the nuances and emotions behind what is being said. Practicing third-level listening allows you to understand the unspoken elements of conversations, which can be critical to resolving issues or identifying hidden opportunities for growth.

Real-life example: Take executive coaches as an example. They excel in this form of listening, which enables them to deeply engage with their clients and make thoughtful recommendations. By listening like a coach, you can foster a culture of open communication and demonstrate that you truly value your team’s perspectives, leading to improved decision-making and stronger bonds within your team.

3. Establish Clear Expectations

Clear and consistent communication regarding expectations is crucial for ensuring team alignment and performance. Your team needs to understand not only what is expected of them but also how their success will be measured. Regular updates and transparent communication in a fast-paced work environment help keep everyone on the same page, reducing confusion and improving outcomes.

Real-life example: For instance, in a high-stakes environment like software development, ambiguity in project goals can lead to costly delays and errors. By clearly outlining tasks and expectations at the outset and providing regular check-ins, you can help your team stay focused and on track, ensuring that everyone knows exactly what is required to achieve success.

4. Encourage Input and Feedback

Engagement levels soar when employees feel that their input is both valued and utilized. Actively seeking feedback from your team on project strategies, workflows, or even your own leadership style can create a culture of inclusiveness and collaboration. When team members see that their voices matter, it fosters a deeper sense of belonging and commitment to the organization.

Real-life example: For example, Google is known for creating an open feedback loop where all team members, regardless of rank, are encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas. This approach has led to groundbreaking innovations and a culture of trust, where employees feel empowered to contribute meaningfully to the company’s success.

5. Provide Consistent, Constructive Feedback

Feedback should not be limited to annual performance reviews; it should be a continuous process. Providing real-time, constructive feedback helps employees improve in the moment and ensures that strengths are reinforced while weaknesses are addressed before they become bigger issues.

Real-life example: Take a sales organization, for example. Regular feedback during training and sales cycles can enable team members to refine their techniques and improve results, rather than waiting until the end of the quarter to address performance shortfalls. This proactive approach not only boosts individual performance but also enhances overall team efficiency.

6. Empower Team Members to Shine

Understanding the unique strengths and passions of each team member allows you to assign tasks that align with their skills and interests. When employees are given the opportunity to work on projects that excite them, it increases their job satisfaction and overall performance. Encouraging team members to leverage their superpowers benefits both the individual and the organization.

Real-life example: A case in point is the tech company 3M, which allows its employees to spend a portion of their time on projects of personal interest. This freedom has led to the development of innovative products, including the famous Post-it Notes. By empowering your team to focus on what they do best, you help them—and your organization—thrive.

7. Have Difficult Conversations When Necessary

Avoiding difficult conversations can cause long-term harm to both the individual and the team. Whether it’s addressing a performance issue or providing feedback on behavior that could hinder career growth, having these tough discussions is necessary for personal and professional development. Approach these conversations with tact, and embrace the discomfort for the sake of the individual’s growth.

Real-life example: For instance, in professional sports, coaches often have to make difficult decisions when players underperform. By addressing performance issues head-on, rather than ignoring them, coaches can help athletes make necessary adjustments and get back on track. The same applies in the workplace—direct, constructive conversations lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.

8. Invest in Their Development

Providing your team with the tools, training, and opportunities they need to succeed is a clear way to demonstrate that you are invested in their growth. Encourage continuous learning by promoting internal development programs or supporting external training opportunities that can help team members build new skills and add value to the organization.

Real-life example: For example, the global consulting firm Deloitte offers its employees various learning programs to ensure they stay ahead of industry trends. By investing in your team’s development, you not only empower them to excel in their current roles but also prepare them for future success, creating a stronger and more capable workforce.

9. Recognize Accomplishments Publicly

While private recognition is appreciated, public acknowledgment of your team’s accomplishments is even more powerful. Celebrate their successes in meetings, among peers, and in front of senior leadership. Public praise not only boosts morale but also reinforces a culture of recognition where team members feel appreciated and motivated to perform at their best.

Real-life example: For example, the tech company HubSpot has built a recognition-rich culture where team members are frequently celebrated in front of their peers for both small and large accomplishments. This public acknowledgment has contributed to HubSpot’s reputation as one of the best places to work, showing that recognition can significantly impact workplace culture.

10. Reach Out Regularly

Regularly check in with your team members, even when there is no specific work-related agenda. These casual check-ins demonstrate that you care about their well-being beyond their day-to-day tasks. Ask open-ended questions, and allow them to steer the conversation, focusing on what matters most to them.

Real-life example: Consider how some of the world’s top leaders, such as former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, made it a point to check in with employees regularly. These informal conversations fostered a strong sense of trust and loyalty within her team, proving that showing genuine care for your employees can build a stronger, more cohesive team.

Conclusion

Incorporating these strategies into your leadership style will not only improve team engagement but also solidify your reputation as a truly authentic leader. By demonstrating that you value your team members, you create an environment where both the people and the organization can thrive.