The Value of Time: How Great Leaders in Marketing & Sales Invest in Their People
- September 02, 2024
The Value of Time: How Top Leaders Invest in Their People to Build and Retain Winning Teams
We know that time is your most valuable resource. As a leader, you’re juggling huge priorities and a packed schedule every day. But here’s something we’ve seen time and time again: investing time in your people is one of the smartest moves you can make—not just to develop them but to attract new talent and keep your best people on board.
We recently spoke with a successful leader who nailed it: “My team doesn’t just need direction—they need my time. When I make space for genuine connection, the best ideas emerge, and that’s where real progress happens.” This couldn’t be more true. Many consultants might tell you to spend most of your time on growth strategy, but we’ve found that when you prioritise time with your team, that investment in people creates a ripple effect, making you more focused and your team more energised and engaged. Here’s how you can make that time work hard for you:
Teachable Moments
The best leaders don’t just manage; they teach. Create opportunities to share knowledge, whether it’s through a workshop or an impromptu brainstorming session. This builds skills and boosts confidence, helping current employees grow—and giving potential hires a reason to join a business that prioritises growth.
One-on-One Time
These meetings aren’t just about checking in—they’re about connecting. Go into these sessions with intention. Ask open-ended questions, listen actively, and give constructive feedback. Employees will feel valued, and word will spread to potential new hires that this is a business where people matter.
Show You Care
Leadership isn’t just about hitting targets—it’s about supporting people. Take time to get to know your team beyond their roles, showing genuine interest in their goals and aspirations. This kind of empathy not only builds loyalty but creates an environment that new team members are drawn to.
Reward and Recognise
Don’t underestimate the impact of regular rewards and recognition. Celebrating wins, offering small incentives, and rewarding the team’s hard work sends a clear message that their contributions are valued. This motivates your current team and helps attract new talent by creating a culture of appreciation.
Appreciate the Little Things
A quick “great job” or a note of thanks during a meeting can go a long way in motivating your team. This small but powerful act shows them that you notice their efforts and makes your company culture that much more attractive to new team members.
Supportive Environment
Foster a space where employees feel supported in taking on challenges and asking for help. When employees know they can count on your support, they’re more confident—and that confidence becomes part of the business’s appeal for future hires. This doesn't mean interfere with their work, afterall, you've employed them to do the job because they're the best candidate, they need freedom to do their best work.
Strategic Time
Finally, make time to step back and look at the bigger picture. Use the insights you gain from connecting with your team to build strategies that reflect your real-world needs and make your business a more inviting place to work. We've seen a lot more agencies giving their employeees time for sabaticals recently, and the result? Appreciative employees who come back fully charged & brimming with ideas!
Lead from Within
Investing time to support, reward, and develop your team is one of the most powerful things you can do to grow your business from the inside out. Not only does this foster loyalty among your current team, but it also creates the kind of culture that attracts new talent looking for a place where they can thrive.
Want to know how attractive you are to future hires? Take our talent scorecard here for tangible insights into your hiring and retention strategies.
Thinking about growing your team? We’d love to help—get in touch here.