Have you ever parked your car on a lot or in a garage and realized your parking would be free if you got your ticket validated? Then you’re suddenly motivated to patronize a restaurant or a business. You’re excited for your free parking.

It has that same motivating power in relationships. Just as the parking validation makes your visit legally valid, validating another person makes that person feel valued. This is a clue to good leadership: remembering that a person’s greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated.
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A good leader knows how to spot those who will sprint and doesn’t waste effort on those that need to be poked and prodded along. It can be hard to do, especially when you care personally about every member of your team. But there’s a true principle that, if you embrace it, will help you hone your leadership skills and get the most productivity out of your team. (more…)