Power series... Unleash Your True Power through the 'Power of Care'

Power of Care

As part of the ‘Power series’ the topic this week that I wanted to touch upon is the ‘Power of Care.’ From the moment we take our first breath on Planet Earth, we are in need of ‘care’. The stronger we are cared for and loved during our growing years, the greater our chances to lead a happier and more fulfilled life. Interestingly, as we start growing up and our sense of independence kicks in, we start feeling self-sufficient, and by the time adulthood hits we are almost in a state of delusion. We start believing that everything that has happened in our life till date is because of me and myself. This feeling keeps getting strong with age as a result of which there is a high possibility that our care quotient drops for ourselves and others.

For me, care has always meant a range of attitudes, behaviours, and practices focused on the well-being of others and myself. A feeling of care within us can arise due to multiple reasons. It can be rooted in a deep sense of responsibility and duty towards others or born because of an authentic and selfless empathy for others. You may have met a few individuals in your life who care for others even if others are not openly seeking care of them. As said by Helen Keller, "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart."

So, I will like to put across two simple questions for you to ponder upon:

• How are you being cared for each day in your life and how do you care for people around you?
• How do you rate yourself on your relationships and well-being quotient?

(While responding to both questions, think of all areas of your life which includes personal and professional aspects)

As I look back on my journey, I feel truly blessed to have developed timeless relationships that have added meaning to my life. It has been possible through the ‘mantra’ of continuous care and connection. The enchanting spell to make any new relationship sprout is by *making an effort to understand the other individual before being understood and with time develop a connection built on care and trust. Whenever asked about what have I achieved in life, the first thing I happily share is having relationships that are more than two decades old now and still going strong. The professional relationships that started way back have transformed into everlasting friendships. The key to the affiliations has been care and being present in each other’s lives. Being in constant touch either in-person or at the very least over the phone can help nurture relationships beautifully.

As said by Emma Seppala, "The quality of our social connections is a powerful predictor of our well-being." Daily do you spend time in knowing the people around you beyond your work-related need? Do you make an effort to be present for your family, team, peers, clients, and stakeholders even if they initially sound reluctant in developing a connection with you or openly seek your support? Here are some simple yet powerful ways to enhance and deepen the feeling of care in your life which can help you experience warmth and trust all around you:

1. Invest in self-care - Ensure you take good care of your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. As stated by Katie Reed ‘Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what's left of you.’ So, take out time to energize and rejuvenate yourself.
2. Reflect and journal – Think and write about the different people in your lives who cared for you and helped you reach where you are today. Remember all those moments; when you had someone who looked out for you and took good care of you. It could be a family member, a friend, a mentor, or an unknown passer-by. The strength of gratitude cannot be underestimated.
3. Have the right intent - One thing that has never failed me is having the right intent. If your intent is right, the other person will catch your vibe. Thus, approach others with a true intent to know them by keeping the lens of curiosity always on. If you are curious, the possibility of you asking right and listening right is much higher. As a result, the chances of you developing a strong relationship are high.
4. Ubuntu - I love this philosophy which originated in South Africa and is roughly translated as ‘I am because you are.’ It emphasizes the idea that a person is only a person through their relationship with others and that our well-being is interconnected with the well-being of others. This concept beautifully explains that we all are interconnected and our lives are intertwined, so let’s celebrate this shared energy.
5. Nurture professional relationships through care - At a professional level, make an effort to understand and identify what different people care about, be it your team members, peers, seniors, stakeholders, or clients. There is so much more to an individual than what is visible on the surface. Approach others with a sincere intent of knowing them and developing a caring and trusting relationship.

As stated by John Donne the English poet, “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.” Thus, interconnectedness is one of the biggest gifts on this planet that brings us together and makes us one. It is only through care and connection that we can make our lives beautiful and add a little bit of sunshine to the life of others. I deeply believe in the power of care in leadership as it can not only help in achieving outstanding business results but can go a long way in creating a legacy for you where people remember you as a leader who ‘truly cared.’

More Power of ‘care’ to you! ???

Keep smiling and keep shining…???

*One of the powerful habits shared by Stephen R. Covey in his book ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.’

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