When Leaders Care About Your Bucket List

Two Monks on a Motorcycle: Corporate Zen Stories

Day 56

In a world where professional success is often defined by results, deadlines, and growth metrics, the role of a leader is evolving. Beyond steering teams towards company goals, a true leader nurtures their team members holistically—helping them grow both professionally and personally. This unique blend of leadership goes beyond the confines of the workplace and extends into the heart of a leader’s ability to inspire, uplift, and foster genuine connections. Recently, I had a conversation with one of my managers, a Costa Rican national, who exemplifies this philosophy. In our busy, often stressful work lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle. Yet, this manager’s approach was a gentle reminder that life’s true beauty is often found outside the grind. When I reached out to her, not with an agenda or a request, but to simply inquire about her well-being, the first thing she asked was how I was balancing my other pursuits outside work. She wasn’t concerned with the tasks I had completed or the projects I was working on. Instead, she was invested in my personal growth, my dreams, and how I was living my life. Her question wasn’t just a passing remark—it was a heartfelt inquiry into my well-being, a reminder to reflect on my personal journey. “How are you pursuing your bucket list?” she asked, and in that moment, I realized the depth of her leadership. She wasn’t just managing a team; she was invested in my life as a whole. She even took it one step further, signing off with a simple, but powerful phrase: “Go smell the roses.” In those few words, she imparted a profound lesson—about the importance of taking a break, stepping back, and appreciating the small, beautiful moments in life that often go unnoticed amidst the chaos of our day-to-day. It wasn’t about self-indulgence or slowing down for the sake of it. It was about recognizing the value of balance, perspective, and joy in life, both inside and outside the office. This gentle reminder to “smell the roses” was a message to make time for self-care, to live fully, and to recognize the significance of the world beyond our work. What makes this form of leadership so impactful is that it acknowledges that employees are people first. This Leader saw me as more than just a team member with deliverables, deadlines, and performance reviews. She saw me as someone with aspirations, passions, and a life beyond the professional realm. This is the essence of leadership that goes beyond transactional relationships. It's about fostering a culture of empathy, personal growth, and genuine care for the people behind the roles. In my career journey, I have encountered many managers who have guided me through the complexities of work. However, those who have left a lasting impact have been the ones who have also taken a personal interest in my growth as a human being. These leaders recognize that professional success is just one dimension of life. True leadership involves understanding that the fulfillment of employees comes from both career accomplishments and personal well-being. So, how can we embody this type of leadership in our own professional lives? It starts by shifting our mindset from simply managing tasks to truly managing people. Here are a few principles that can help cultivate this type of meaningful leadership: 1. Be genuinely interested in the well-being of others: Ask about their lives outside of work. How are they balancing their personal pursuits, their hobbies, and their relationships? This simple inquiry shows that you care about the person as a whole. 2. Encourage personal growth beyond professional achievements: Help others recognize their aspirations beyond the workplace. Encouraging them to pursue their passions, travel, learn, or simply take a break is a powerful form of support. 3. Foster a culture of balance: In a world that glorifies busyness, it’s crucial to remind people to take a breath, slow down, and appreciate life. Encourage them to "go smell the roses"—whether it's taking a walk, enjoying a moment with loved ones, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee. 4. Lead by example: Show your team that you too value personal fulfillment and work-life balance. Share stories of your own pursuits outside of work, and demonstrate the importance of taking care of your mental and emotional well-being. 5. Recognize the person, not just the role. Remember that behind every title is a person with dreams, fears, hopes, and experiences. When leaders see their team members as individuals with unique stories, it creates an environment of trust, respect, and genuine connection. In the end, the leaders who inspire me most are not only those who push for results but those who take the time to check in, offer guidance, and encourage me to become a better human being. They understand that success is not just about moving up the corporate ladder; it’s about living a well-rounded, fulfilling life. When we cultivate this kind of leadership, we create a workplace culture that values people not just for what they do but for who they are. It’s this leadership that shapes not only great employees but great humans—people who feel valued, supported, and motivated to pursue their goals both within and outside of the office. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about the work we do—it’s about the lives we lead. And sometimes, the best advice a leader can give is to simply remind us to "Go smell the roses."?