We tend to describe great leaders using words such as “bold,” “assertive,” “visionary,” and “wise.” Those are certainly important qualities, but I’d like to consider another term that is equally important but often overlooked: “caring.”

What does it mean to be a caring leader? Several examples immediately spring to mind for me. I think of Lieutenant Colonel Hal Moore, who wrote the harrowing Vietnam War memoir We Were Soldiers Once…and Young and whom Mel Gibson later portrayed in the Hollywood adaptation of that book. Moore was as tough-as-nails on the battlefield, but he also demonstrated an uncanny ability to care for and nurture the men under his command. He vowed to be the first person off the helicopter and the last one to get back on during combat missions, leaving none of his troops behind. He was also a man of deep faith who was known to pray with younger, inexperienced soldiers prior to entering a combat zone.

From the world of literature, I’m reminded of the noble Aragorn character from J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy. Although a king, Aragorn is frequently described as performing selfless acts on behalf of his subjects. In fact, at one critical moment just before the climactic final confrontation with the forces of evil, Aragorn takes the time to step off the field of battle in order to administer his unique healing expertise to wounded comrades.

At Focus on the Family, we frequently stress the fact that employment with our organization is a true calling rather than a mere job, and each member of the team has a place to belong, rather than simply a place to work. That perspective can easily become lost, however, in the day-to-day crush of deadlines, meetings and projects. I believe that in order for every employee to hold fast to the idea that they are following a divine calling, they need to be inspired and encouraged by a management team that is as committed to individual care and encouragement as it is to innovation and productivity.

Another military leader who understands these key principles is Commander Michael Ghizzoni, who received the John G. Witherspoon Inspirational Leadership Award presented by the United States Coast Guard. This commendation is one of the highest honors given to an officer and recognizes extraordinary leadership in fostering growth and development in individuals under their charge.

According to those who nominated the commander for this prestigious award, Ghizzoni’s caring leadership toward those he supervised was central to his military success. His own words confirm that assessment: “True caring for our people reinforces mission accomplishment, while also making the Coast Guard a more rewarding place to work.” He knows what he’s talking about.

In short, caring leadership is both intentional and necessary. Those of us serving in leadership roles would do well to ask ourselves what we are doing to incorporate caring, servant-leadership into our daily activities. Are we, like Lieutenant Colonel Hal Moore, taking the time to encourage and pray with those entrusted to our care as we prepare to tackle our next big project? And like King Aragorn, are we prepared to let our role as administrator take a back seat to being a vessel of revitalization for those team members who are weary from the battle?

Ultimately, Jesus Christ provides the utmost example for us to follow. He is the King of all creation, “but made himself nothing, taking on the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:7a), even to washing the feet of His disciples. He came to Earth in order to walk among us, to minister, and eventually to make the supreme sacrifice on our behalf. Now that is caring, servant-leadership in action!