I had to change this post to an Article-The struggle continues:

I shared this post because, as someone who has spent decades in the mortgage industry, I know firsthand how it feels to be overlooked and undervalued. I was treated as an afterthought, even told that if I didn’t like the job, I could leave. These experiences have shaped the way I see things now. I remember being laid off, not because of poor performance, but because I had “too many” credentials. My team was thriving, which made the director and her hand-picked managers look bad by comparison. I didn’t feel anger at that time, but instead, sadness for what they were losing.

Becoming a Chief Operating Officer (COO) was not easy. Even now, despite my position, I still find myself restricted from making the kinds of decisions that could truly help the company grow. The fear of those in power—those with limited vision or lacking common sense—can be overwhelming. I’ve created a network of loyal, dedicated people who, if given the opportunity, could make a mortgage company operate as smoothly as a hummingbird in flight, leading to great success for the owner. But like so many others, challenges such as capital, credit, and, unfortunately, envy have kept this from becoming a reality.

As a COO, I work tirelessly, but the rewards are often minimal. I’m not sharing this to evoke pity, but to remind others in similar situations that you’re not alone. The struggle is real for many of us, but we persist. Empathy is a powerful tool in the workplace. If you remain loyal to your employees and show genuine care for them and their families, that dedication will translate into success for your company.

Here are some ways to display empathy and care for your employees, ensuring they stay with your company and contribute to its success:

1. Listen to Them: Actively listen to your employees’ concerns, ideas, and feedback. Make them feel heard and valued. Sometimes, simply acknowledging someone’s viewpoint can make a world of difference.
2. Recognize Their Efforts: Celebrate both small and large achievements. Public recognition, bonuses, or even a simple "thank you" goes a long way in boosting morale and making employees feel appreciated.
3. Offer Career Growth Opportunities: Support your employees' professional growth by providing training, mentorship, and advancement opportunities. Showing that you’re invested in their future encourages them to stay with the company.
4. Be Flexible: Understand that employees have lives outside of work. Offering flexible work hours, remote work options, or personal time off when needed shows that you respect their work-life balance.
5. Provide Fair Compensation and Benefits: Ensure that employees are compensated fairly for their work and offer comprehensive benefits that prioritize their health and well-being. When employees feel financially secure and supported, they are more likely to remain loyal.
6. Foster a Positive Work Culture: Create an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment where employees feel safe to express themselves and contribute their ideas. A positive culture fosters loyalty and a sense of belonging.
7. Show Compassion in Tough Times: If an employee is going through personal struggles, show compassion and offer support. This could mean offering extra time off, providing resources, or simply offering a listening ear.
8. Involve Employees in Decision-Making: Where appropriate, involve employees in decisions that affect them. This builds trust and allows them to take ownership of the company’s success.
9. Be Transparent and Honest: Communicate openly about company goals, challenges, and decisions. Honesty builds trust, and employees are more likely to stay loyal to leaders who are upfront with them.
10. Create a Sense of Purpose: Help employees see how their work contributes to the larger mission of the company. When employees feel that their work has meaning and that they are part of something bigger, they are more engaged and motivated to stay.

By showing empathy, investing in your employees, and staying committed to their well-being, your company will not only retain loyal workers but also create a culture of success and prosperity. Remember, when your employees thrive, your company thrives.