When you look at the people who make up your organization, what do you see? Do you see job titles and duties? Or do you see faces — and stories?
When we look at our teams, we should see more than job responsibilities; we should see the whole person. Every individual brings their full self to work. We may tell ourselves to “leave it at the door,” but the truth is, each of us carries a unique story and perspective — a lens through which we experience and engage with the world. That lens shapes how we show up every day. And when people feel seen and valued, they show up differently. They’re more engaged, more creative, and yes, more productive. (For those who appreciate data-driven results, studies consistently show that engagement correlates directly with increased productivity and revenue.)
As leaders, our responsibility is to see the people behind the roles. See the receptionist at the front desk who donates plasma to make ends meet, and how that impacts her view of job security. See the new technician performing a recently learned skill with a patient for the first time, breathing a sigh of relief that it went well, and the confidence that follows. See the first-time manager who wants so badly to succeed but needs guidance and mentorship to grow and thrive.
When we recognize the whole person — not just the position — we lead differently. We create an environment where people can thrive rather than simply survive.
These stories are the fabric of our organizations. When we invest in people (truly invest) we don’t just shape better employees; we help shape better human beings. The skills we teach at work — communication, empathy, collaboration, de-escalation — ripple outward. They strengthen families, churches, neighborhoods, and communities. Investing in our staff is investing in our communities.
So today, I challenge all of us: See the stories, not just the job titles.
Written by: Allison Gilmore, MBA, COE, ELI-MP