] Zach defines mattering as feeling significant through being valued and adding unique value. [08:05] Zach explains human energy comes from knowing we matter, with research showing lower cortisol in those who feel significant. [11:15] Zach describes the "mattering wheel" where feeling valued builds confidence to add value. [13:56] Zach notes 40% of feedback fails because people don't feel cared for by the giver. [18:54] Zach outlines "wise feedback": express belief, reaffirm capabilities, offer support. [22:12] Zach defines optimism as believing you can improve moments and explains how digital communication created human skills gaps. [29:22] Zach emphasizes only humans take moral responsibility while noting only 40% feel cared for at work. [33:22] Zach positions matter as a prerequisite to purpose people must feel cared for before caring about work. [36:12] Zach advises asking "When you feel you matter to me, what am I doing?" and outlines three practices: noticed, affirmed, needed. [38:08] Zach states "hurry and care cannot coexist" and suggests using meetings for relationships, not information exchange. [42:17] Zach explains these "soft" skills need rigorous practice as attention spans dropped to 47 seconds and leadership requires separate human skills. [46:19] Zach challenges leaders to master human skills because leadership is a separate occupation requiring separate skills. [48:20] And remember…"The business of business is relationships; the business of life is human connection." - Robin S. Sharma Quotable Quotes "It's almost impossible for anything to matter to someone who doesn't first believe that they matter." "All human energy is an outcome of knowing that we matter." "The ultimate energizer is knowing that you and your life and your work are worthy of your energy." "We don't build confidence on our own. We build true confidence when we know someone has our back." "People need to be valued to add value." "Feeling valued gives us the confidence we need to add value. The more we add value, the more we see the evidence of our significance, the more we feel valued." "Hurry and care cannot coexist." "When leaders can't connect, they usually try to control. We try to control what we don't understand." "Loneliness is not the outcome of being alone. Loneliness is the outcome of feeling that you don't matter." "It's the quality of the interaction that matters, not the quantity when it comes to loneliness." "People will not care until they feel cared for." "Leadership is a separate occupation. It is a separate occupation that requires a separate set of skills." "Optimism is the belief that the future can be better and that I have what it takes to make it better." "AI will take your job if you do not master the human skills to cultivate trust and care." "The heart of leadership is to inspire." "Feedback without a relationship comes across as aggression." These are the books mentioned in this episode Resources Mentioned The Leadership Podcast | theleadershippodcast.com Sponsored by | www.darley.com Rafti Advisors. LLC | www.raftiadvisors.com Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | selfreliantleadership.com Zach Mercurio Website | www.zachmercurio.com Zach Mercurio Facebook | www.facebook.com/ZMercurio Zach Mercurio LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/zachmercurio Zach Mercurio Instagram | @zachmercurio Essential Skills to Create a Culture of Mattering - Zach Mercurio