Connections to Build Joyful Workplaces
The more I get to interact with people from different industries the more I see the desire to create strong connection between work colleagues both leaders and their teams. It feels to me that given the pace of change within workplaces that people are striving to create trusted relationships, to give and offer support, as we all grapple with economic challenges, AI noise, and fear of cybersecurity.
Connection and meaningful relationships are vital to people getting work done. Gone are the days where we leave home at home, we are bringing our whole selves to workplaces, the good and sometimes the heavy load of life.
The need to look after mental health of our teams is growing, and the role of leadership is strengthening in focus. Senior leaders who have been trying to ‘do the work’ and struggling to find time to be available for their people, need to reassess. Leadership for me is about enabling your team to do their best work – it’s about keeping everyone focused, excited about their work, and empowering them to get it done without hinderance.
Teams functioning at their best are those where they receive support and appropriate resources, where they are challenged to stretch their learning, capacity and innovation, and where they are championed and acknowledged for their hard work.
When times are tough the future focused leader knows how to be present for their teams, to be available, understand what each person’s intrinsic motivation is and coach rather than fix, to keep their teams engaged and empowered. People want to enjoy their workplaces, tbe inspired, get their positive endorphins from their achievements.
It’s not about making teams soft, for me it’s about creating workplaces where people can come, delve in with purpose and feel good about doing the job well.
Trust and optimism within teams keep them focused and on task. Trust is not a given in any team where constant change is occurring. Let’s face it, that’s most industries, businesses, organisations. The need to adapt and flex is presenting itself every day and if people are feeling overwhelmed or too stretched, their output drops. Our fight/flight/freeze instinct takes over and slows us down.
To get your best work done, consciously create a positive workplace culture, slow down, pause, reassess, not speed up. Listen to people, invite them to share what they specifically need to do their best work, and remove as many hurdles as possible, and the results will come.
Our framework of BEFORE U Succeed can help.
Reflective practice really does lead to SUCCESS!
Lean into your colleagues, friends and families and make time for the things that bring you joy!
If your organisation or team need help to build stronger teams and better engagement, reach out to learn more about the art of congruent communication.
Reach out for a complimentary introductory chat and let’s explore what support, challenge or championing might look like for you and your team.
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