Frankly, I don't I really like the title of this post, but it does bring forth an interesting leadership discussion.
I coach youth basketball. As part of each season, I create a development plan for each player, present it to parents and then update it over the course of the season. It's not much different than an employee development plan. However, in each of those plans, I have components about how I will look to engage the player in areas not associated with straight basketball skills. For some, it will be developing focus. For others, it will be to take the game less seriously and have more fun. Then, during the season, I engage with each player to bring home specific and unique points that can help them be as successful as they can. The plan is as much a plan for me to intentionally serve each player.
In business, I've seen too many instances where managers take time to assess and recommend areas for development - a course here, a project there, developing better communication, etc. Many times, there is little looking at or caring about the important things that will make an employee and, in tandem the company, more successful.
As a leader, I believe it's critically important to help people understand opportunities and issues and help them discover the right path to take. Empower them to take action, to bring dissenting opinions and to take ownership of their path and the path of the business they are responsible for. Then, work with each person to catalyze the four fundamental forces within them that will propel them towards success.
'It's business, it's not personal' is just a bunch of hokum. If a customer buys, much of it is because of a connection that has been made and a level of trust that has been developed. People stay with organizations because they like their boss and/or the people they work with. If you, as a leader, care about the people you lead, want the best for them and guide them towards developing to the best they can be in a way that interests them and helps the group, you are a long way ahead of the game.