The Missional Agent Memo #30 - The Most Powerful Leadership Strategy Costs Nothing

What if one of the most powerful leadership strategies costs nothing but your presence? In this episode, Chris shares a compliment from a client that led him to a profound leadership lesson rooted in the Zulu greeting, Sawubona—“I see you.” Discover why helping people feel truly seen may be the key to building deeper trust, stronger relationships, healthier teams, and a more meaningful life.

Transcript

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Issue number 30 of the missional agent memo: The most powerful leadership strategy costs you nothing. Recently, a client of mine gave me what I think is one of the greatest compliments a person can receive. She was thanking me for helping her through something when she said, I felt so seen by you. I honestly don't know if there's a higher compliment, because I think that's exactly what every one of us is longing for. I know I am, to be seen, not judged, not evaluated, not fixed or compared, just seen and accepted for who we are and where we are. Among the Zulu people of South Africa, a common greeting is sawubana, which means I see you. Imagine if that became the greeting we offered one another. I see you. As leaders, business owners, parents, spouses, and friends, we're constantly looking for better strategies. How do I earn more trust? How do I lead people better? How do I build stronger relationships? We read books, attend conferences, listen to podcasts, build systems. All of those things matter. But what if one of the most powerful leadership strategies costs you nothing but your presence? Putting your phone down, asking more than telling, noticing when they're carrying something heavy, listening to understand instead of listening to respond. Sometimes it's simply remembering their story. Some people call these soft skills. I think they're the skill for leading and loving well. Because when people feel seen, they feel safe. And when people feel safe, trust grows, relationships deepen, teams become healthier, and families become stronger. Practice this for a week. Watch what it does to your clients and colleagues. Watch what it does to your marriage and with your kids. I believe that people flourish when they feel seen. I knew I do. So pull up a chair, sit in their world, if only for a few minutes. Not because you want something from them, not because you're trying to change them, but simply because they're worth seeing. See the person in front of you. There may be nothing more powerful. Saw Bhana. I see you. In your corner, Chris.