"Care" is probably one of the most simple words we have ever learned, yet it might be one of the most precious personalities you could hope from others, or a lot of the times yourself.

I have heard enough of "What's the big deal?"  And too many have complained that why he or she did not care about this or that.  We all know how important care is to personal life, one would never even befriend with someone who simply does not care about you (your enemies care - maybe not your well being).  Care also plays a vital part in professional setting.  I always give the paralegal I work with best reviews and praise her whenever possible.  Not that she does not make mistakes, but she cares.  Whatever assignments or tasks I give her, she would sometimes care more than I do - she would be upset if things do not get done.  With that kind of personality, she makes every effort to achieve goals and that is exactly the point.  I can't remember how many times I was frustrated by people who were tasked to do things and weren't sharing the urgency and stress that I had.  How frustrating it is if you have to watch each step and everything another is doing to make sure it's done right?!

We are living in a very tough and stressful world (this means more today than even one year ago).  How much more relieved one would feel if someone else, either from a superior or an inferior, cares about what you care and know that you are not alone?  For example, I would feel less stressed out on a deal if I know someone else cares as much as I do and if I miss something, others will pick up.

Care then comes to the core of management - how to motivate people to care is simply the most important skill one needs to learn (there are people who just do not care whatever you do).  One common practice is to give people ownership of the tasks.  Most of the time it works.   Give people the credit that they deserve also works.  However, it's another journey to harmonize giving ownership and supervision.  I am no master of any of this, but I care so I learn :-)

Obama's signature slogan is "Yes, we can!"  I prefer "Yes, we CARE!"