A panel of leaders was brought together from three cities to



discuss leadership in a forum organized by Fast Company

magazine. The topics included the best and worst aspects of

having power, leadership in times of crisis, and what makes

them successful as leaders. One recurring theme was that it

is important to truly value your associates and the

strengths that each individual brings to the team. Heidi

Schneider, executive vice president of Neuberger Berman,

said that the old model of the boss is no longer effective

as a leader.

“The model of CEO is going to change. In the '90s, very

smart, very efficient men ran their companies like tight

ships, but they were often not very nice people. These days,

employees are really looking at their bosses as

disingenuous. Employees think their bosses don't really care

about them as people; they only care about the bottom line.

People are starting to see through that and say, "Hey, wait

a minute. I don't mind commuting for two hours if my boss

appreciates that I'm there." So the people who are going to

be effective leaders are going to really value the unique

contributions that people make -- and will tell them so."

http://www.fastcompany.com/articles/2001/11/neuberger.html

Great leaders truly care about their associates and they

show it with sensitive, compassionate behavior as well as by

setting high expectations and helping associates to develop

their skills and proficiencies. It is critical for leaders

to acknowledge and reward an associate’s success; following

that the leaders needs to find appropriate ways to challenge

and develop their associates so that they continue to

improve and excel. When one truly cares, then it is not

enough to accept a good performance. Caring leaders help

associates to develop so that the good performers become

stars.