The Forgotten Practice of Valuing our People

Leadership in 180 Seconds: 14 Secrets of Influential Leaders

Want to become a leader people love to follow? It starts with making them feel seen, heard, and valued. In this episode, discover the underestimated leadership skill that makes a lasting impression, builds loyalty, and creates teams that thrive. When people feel truly valued, they bring their best. And the best leaders? They never underestimate the power of a well-timed word or gesture.

• Transcript

  One of the most powerful leadership moves you can make?

  Value your people.

  Not just appreciated. Valued.

   It’s more than a compliment. It’s a way of showing someone that their presence, ideas, and effort matter. That they’re not just a means to an end—but a human being worth listening to and investing in.

   There was this idea which floated around decades ago and still influences us today that professionalism means staying away from relational issues. However, the reality is that de-personalising within your leadership context is like leadership cut off at the knees.

   I’ve seen it in coaching sessions time and time again. Someone walks in feeling unseen. They’re disengaged, distracted, and holding back. But a few genuine questions, a moment of undivided attention, a thoughtful observation—and something shifts. Suddenly, they’re leaning in. They’re coming alive. Because someone took the time to see them, and to value them.

   People don’t just want to be led. They want to be known.

   In our fast-paced leadership environments, it’s easy to focus on outcomes and KPIs. But when we prioritise performance at the cost of people, we lose more than productivity—we lose influence.

   Leaders who build lasting influence are the ones who slow down long enough to notice. To affirm. To really listen. Because when people feel valued, they trust you. They give more. They bring ideas. They stay.

   So here’s today’s leadership challenge:

  Think of one person on your team, in your family, or in your life who might be feeling unseen right now. What’s one intentional thing you could do this week to show them they matter?

   A handwritten note. A text message. A spontaneous lunch. A moment of eye contact and an honest, "I see what you’re doing, and it’s making a difference."

   It might take 30 seconds. But the impact? That can last for years.

   Make people feel valued.

  And you’ll become a leader they never forget.