Word Pictures of Relational Leadership - The Host

Hello, and welcome to "The Resilient Leader." Coach Charlotte here. During the month of October, we're going to talk about embracing the word pictures of relational leadership. So the first word picture I want you to think about in relational leadership is the host, making people feel welcome.

When we think about what a great host does, a host doesn't stand at the door waiting for the guest to figure everything out. They take the initiative. They welcome you. They help you feel comfortable. They introduce you to others. They show you around. They make you feel like you belong.

What if we approached our relationships and leadership the same way? As leaders, we can become the host of the relationships in our lives. Instead of waiting for someone else to connect, to communicate, or move in the first step, we can take responsibility for creating the environment.

So I'm going to share with you three practices to help you move into that ultimate host that we want to be as leaders. Here are the three practices.

First, take initiative. Don't always wait for people to come to you. Check in, start the conversation, make an introduction.

Second, create belonging. Pay attention to the person standing on the outside. Who isn't being included? Who hasn't spoken? Who might need an invitation into the conversation?

And then finally, three, make people feel valued. A good host notices people, remembers their name, and asks about something important to them. Give them your attention.

So the three things are to take initiative, create belonging, and make people feel valued. When people interact with me, do they feel welcome, valued, and included? That's the golden question I want you to ask yourself over and over again this week. When people interact with me, do they feel welcome, valued, and included?

So as we close today, you don't have to own the room to host the room. You simply have to take responsibility for how people feel when they're in the room.

Have an amazing week, my friends, and don't forget that question. When people interact with me, do they feel welcomed, valued, and included? Become that amazing host and make people feel welcome.