The #1 Trait You Should Practice: Care ~via Jeanniey Walden
Nobody "cares" more than Jeanniey Walden or has a better understanding that RETURN ON RELATIONSHIP adds more to ROI than meets the eye. /Ted
What if I told you that success comes down to one thing: CARE
It sounds simple right? Let's be honest, how often do we truly show it? Not just in words, but in action?
Why I'm Writing This Now
I've been flooded with calls, texts, and emails congratulating me on my newest adventure with Rakuten Rewards . The genuine excitement from some people made me feel incredible. The vendors hoping to lock in deals made me laugh :-). The most interesting messages came from fellow marketers and business leaders who were impressed, asking me, “What’s your secret? How did you land this amazing role?”
The truth? It all comes down to caring.
For those of you who know me, you know I’m just a girl from Pittsburgh who loves chocolate, adventures, my family and yes, I am a workaholic. I'm nothing fancy. My whole life, I've believed in treating others the way I want to be treated. And, I've gone out of my way to help others, not for personal gain (though some days I wish I were wired differently), but because seeing someone else succeed is one of the best feelings in the world.
Caring Creates Opportunities Over Time (Who Knew?!?)
Who knew that being relatable (the "R" in my concept of AIR) would create a continuous stream of success that would build over the years. The photo above shows me at the #CES25 show with three wonderful women who I've known professionally for over 20 years (Lana McGilvray, Hollis Guerra and Diane DiLorenzo). Back then, we all took the time to help each other in our respective roles because we genuinely cared. Fast forward a few decades, and we still care about each other, and still help each other, on our incredibly exciting individual journeys. This fun photo taken in January "just because" turned into a conversation, that led to an introduction with another incredible woman Ashley Miles, CEO Franklyn West who introduced me to the team at Rakuten, which led to the role. (And, even better, Ashley and I have become great friends).
Caring isn’t just a nice gesture — it’s a strategy.
Why Caring Matters (The Proof)
I couldn't be more grateful than I am today to be surrounded by a network that is always there.
Yes, I work hard. Yes, I have built skills over the years. Yes, I deliver results that matter. But most importantly, I care. It turns out that it isn't just me that believes caring matters, check out these stats as well:
PeopleThriver.com says "Increased Profitability: Organizations with highly engaged employees are 21% more profitable than those with low engagement levels."
Firstup.io says "Enhanced Productivity: Engaged employees are 17% more productive compared to their disengaged counterparts."
Ey.com says "Reduced Turnover: Seventy-nine percent of employees believe empathetic leadership decreases employee turnover."
Talentsmartec.com says "Considerate Leadership and Power: Research from UC Berkeley found that the most powerful individuals, as rated by their peers, were those who were the most considerate and outgoing."
How To Start Caring More
Not sure how to show you care? Or, want to see how your ability to care can deliver more? Start here:
Put Yourself In the Other Person's Shoes: Whether at work or with a marketing plan ask yourself - How would I want to be treated? (This is awesome when you are reviewing creative and offers for marketing)
Make it Personal: When it is someone's birthday on social media - don't just click the button and send the generic message, take the time to text or even better, call them. Make it personal.
Be Helpful: If a colleague is struggling, or even if you know a way to help, and you can, step up. No strings attached.
Put Someone In The Caring Hall of Fame
We all have people who’ve lifted us up along the way. Tag someone who’s made a difference for you — let them know you care.
P.S. I’d love to hear your thoughts — comment below! Let’s start a conversation (because caring enough to reply counts too). ❤️
