Nate’s Notes 204: How To Show People They Matter | Zach Mercurio

People often feel like they don’t matter. But there are simple things we can do to show people they do matter.

We can ask deep questions to show that we notice them. For example, we can ask, “When you feel that you matter to me, what am I doing?” And then do more of those things.

We can affirm people by showing them pictures of how their work benefits others.

And third, we can show them we need them by pointing out what wouldn’t get done without them.

Just because something is common sense, doesn’t mean it’s common practice. But by taking simple steps to notice and affirm people, even scheduling our good intentions, we can close the knowing / doing gap.

It’s a simple idea. Please take it seriously.

Zach Mercurio Bio:

Zach Mercurio is a researcher, author, and speaker specializing in leadership, mattering, and meaningful work. He is the author of the books The Invisible Leader and The Power of Mattering, and some of his clients include the U.S. Army, J.P. Morgan Chase, Delta Airlines, Marriott International, The Government of Canada, and The National Park Service.

Zach also serves as one of Simon Sinek’s “Optimist Instructors,” teaching a course with Simon on how leaders can show everyone how they matter.

Zach earned a Ph.D. in organizational learning, performance, and change from Colorado State University, where he now serves as a Senior Honorary Fellow in the Center for Meaning and Purpose.

I hope you enjoy learning from Zach Mercurio today.