Show them how much you care

The Blue Sweater by Jacqueline Novogratz is heartbreakingly beautiful for folks interested in leading in discipleship for its honesty, beauty, and clarity.  In one memorable passage, Ms. Novogratz describes a the turning point in the micro finance business she starts with a few native African entrepreneurs.  It came to their attention that a rice trader who borrowed money from them was not very intent on repaying the loan.  The African partner explained what they should do.  "We have to show them how much we care." So they went by the rice trader's home and let her know they weren't going to let her off easy.

It took guts, but it changed things.  So: how do you show the people who look to you for leadership in becoming more Christ-like that you care?

Clear communication?

Empowerment in decisions about vision and strategy?

Honest opportunities for failure?

Sacrifice of excellence for a culture of excellence?

A phone call when an email would do?

A dinner at your house when a cup of coffee would suffice?

Prayers along with memos?

A note about something they did that they didn't know they did?

A difficult conversation?

A willingness to say: "It might be time for a new opportunity?"

Permission?

Clear expectations?

Defined responsibilities?

Forgiveness?

Tolerance?

Respect?

Love?

Defining the Cause?

"Today wasn't a good day.  Tomorrow will be better?"

Coaching?

Teachable spirit?

"I noticed that you..."?

"When you_________________ I feel __________________"?

"No"?

"I was just returning your call..."?

"FYI"?

"I thought you might want to know..."?

"Let me tell you my thinking right now about that:"?

"I know how you feel.  I felt that way too.  Let me tell you what I found"?

Just curious.