Valentine’s Day is almost here. (How can this year possibly be going by so quickly?!) As I was thinking about this column, it occurred to me that Valentine’s Day is a good reminder of something we don’t talk about in the workplace often enough: the longing people have to feel seen, understood, valued, and cared for. Loved, in other words.

It also occurred to me that what makes one person feel loved doesn’t necessarily do it for another person. This thought was inspired by Gary Chapman, who popularized this idea in his book The 5 Love Languages. The gist of his message is that different people give and receive love in different ways.

This is as true in healthcare as it is anywhere else. And the message for leaders is that we need to get intentional about showing employees how much we care about them—and making sure we express it in a way the other person can receive.

Human-Centered Leadership in Healthcare (HCL-HC) is grounded in the truth that people flourish when leaders communicate in ways that affirm their worth and honor their humanity. In fact, HCL-HC has its own “love languages.” There are five core messages that shape how we lead, how we relate, and how we create cultures where people can thrive.

1. I matter. This is the language we speak to ourselves first. It reminds us that we deserve our own loving care, attention, and compassion. When leaders begin here, they lead from centeredness rather than depletion.
2. I believe in you. When a leader speaks these words to a team member, something powerful happens: potential is released. Belief becomes a catalyst for growth, confidence, and courage.
3. I trust you. This is the language of empowerment. Trust communicates, “You are capable, and I’m giving you room to lead, contribute, and make decisions.” It is one of the fastest ways to build engagement and ownership.
4. I see you. This language says, “We share this state of humanity.” It acknowledges the whole person—their emotions, their well-being, their lived experience. It commits to treating others with kindness, respect, and emotional presence.
5. It starts with me, but it’s not about me. This is the mantra of HCL-HC. It’s a guiding reminder of what it means to lead as a human-centered leader. It calls us to lead with personal wellness, self-awareness, self-compassion, and mindfulness while keeping our outward focus on the people and purpose we serve.

So, this Valentine’s Day, let this be your invitation to lead with intention.

Choose one of these languages and practice it with someone on your team. Speak it. Demonstrate it. Let it guide how you show up. And watch how even the smallest expression of genuine care can ripple outward in ways that transform the people you lead.

In healthcare, love isn’t a sentiment. It’s a leadership strategy that changes everything.

Be well. Lead well.

To dig deeper into what it means to build human-centered cultures that last, please join us at the Rewiring Healthcare: Foundation To Future Conference April 28-29 in Atlanta.