People, the End or the Means?

Philosopher Immanuel Kant said, “Always recognize that [people] are ends, and do not use them as means to your end.”

In business, it’s easy to view people as assets to be used toward the attainment of business goals.

People know the difference between leaders who genuinely care about them and those who care only about the talents they offer. They become devoted to leaders who care about them while quickly deserting leaders who don’t.

Caring is not complicated. It simply means spending time with the people you lead, knowing their names, listening to their ideas and concerns, smiling, sharing a kind word, asking about their health, families, and interests.

Value other people first as human beings and then for what they can contribute to your organization. Remember, your success depends upon how much they care about following you.