Often, I have heard a leader say “we are a family” at work.
What they are really wanting to achieve, is to create a culture of belonging.
That term family is risky because every person has a different concept/experience of family, some people come from healthy loving families and some people come from broken families. Families may be controlling or care-free.
You get the point.
I know personally in my family, it’s not one where I get a performance review on how I contributed or even get paid to be there.
The aim however is for people to feel a sense of belonging and engage in the workplace.
Perhaps a way to measure a sense of belonging “an affinity for a place or situation” is how the heart feels in that space.
When someone says “I feel at home in this team/group” – that measure is where you have engaged the heart and mind based on the culture you create.
What is a home?
“Home is where the heart is”
· A home is a place where you can always go to for safety.
· A home is where you can be yourself without judgement.
· A home is where the space is yours, to feel calm or at ease.
· A home is where you can have conversations that matter.
· A home is place that you choose to be there.
“It’s not the walls, or the furniture but the emotion that feels like home.”
From a business perspective…What is the dominant emotion and feeling as people work together or even what is the “vibe” in the office as you achieve results?
Is there joy or enthusiasm? Is there respect?
Is there a sense of knowing that you are not judged, with less blame and more curiosity and are free to be you?
If there is one thing to work on in the culture – it’s cultivating a sense of community (we not I) and enjoyment.
When you spend so much of your life in a workplace, you want it to be a place that you enjoy going to not only on team building days but everyday.
In a good environment, there may even be a sense of … “ I can’t wait to get to the office.”
When belonging is created, engagement is a by-product.
A tip from Brendon Burchard... Each doorway you walk through, use it as a cue to “bring the joy” until it becomes a habit.
Be intentional about the emotion and energy that you bring into your space called work.
In summary:
A mindset of belonging speaks to the attitude that someone carries with them. It is one of acceptance, connection and knowing that no matter your background or role, you are still valued as an important part of the team and that matters.
Feel free to speak to Champions Uncovered about a team engagement intervention, one that helps you understand the core motivations that move people.
