Modern Leadership: The Science of Noticing Others

As Modern Leaders, we have a responsibility to not make people feel invisible or unseen. Earlier this year, I spoke at Allianz about the importance of boosting the self esteem of peers by magnifying their strengths.

Social psychologists Morris Rosenburg and Claire McCullough wrote that "feeling noticed is the most elementary form of mattering.."

In my line of work (technology), I work with people of all diversities and backgrounds. I myself am also neurodiverse and struggle with dyslexia. I've found, by seeking out the talents of individuals and tailoring your leadership to magnify and highlight the best of each persona.

Professor Frederik Anseel shared his though leadership about The Need To Matter which I've summarised below alongside using expressions and my own experience.

Lack of Recognition:

Many workers suffer from a chronic lack of recognition, leading to feelings of alienation from their work. This can result in feeling anonymous and invisible, impacting mental health and motivation.

Fundamental Human Need:

The concept of 'mattering' is not about seeking approval or external validation, but rather it addresses a fundamental human need to feel that one is making a difference and that their efforts are seen and appreciated.

Longevity and Mental Health:

Recognition has a tangible impact on health and longevity. For instance, Nobel Prize winners, who receive significant recognition, tend to live longer than other nominees. Conversely, those who feel their lives don't matter are at a higher risk of mental problems and depression.

Mattering and Cynicism:

While making a difference to others is motivating, the energy derived from this can be depleted by factors like bureaucracy or toxic management, leading to cynicism.

Importance in Management:

The fundamental principle of management should be to instill in people the feeling that they matter. This goes beyond just a feeling; it's about genuinely making a difference and being valued.

What are some of the positive outcomes of making your teams feel both seen and valued?

By recognising and valuing individuals is crucial in various contexts, from personal relationships to professional environments we can help others to feel seen. As we reflect of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, we see that when both an individuals sense of belonging and self esteem are met, they transcend into self actualisation and the best versions of themselves.

Boosts Self-Esteem and Confidence:

When people feel seen and valued, their self-esteem and confidence increase. This leads to a positive self-image and encourages them to express themselves more freely and contribute more effectively.

Improves Mental Health and Wellbeing:

Recognition and appreciation significantly impact mental health. It reduces feelings of isolation and neglect, contributing to overall emotional and psychological well-being.

Increases Engagement and Productivity:

When people feel their contributions are acknowledged and valued, they are more likely to be engaged and committed. This heightened engagement often translates into increased productivity and a stronger commitment to goals and objectives.

Zach Mercurio, Ph.D. states in his blog The Art and Science of Noticing Others"Noticing is the act of seeing someone’s uniqueness and showing an interest in their full life. Feeling noticed is the opposite of feeling invisible, the inverse of being forgotten.."