Ensuring people are seen and heard for who they are is an investment that is always returned with interest
Many people feel that work is not working. My M.A.G.I.C Framework explores the core drivers that will make work, work again. These are Meaning, Authenticity, Ground Rules, “I”, and Curiosity. We all know that we do better in a tribe; historically, that is how we have survived working together. However, these days it often does not feel that we are working together. It might be the pace that we are working at that we rush past people, it might be that corporate environments pit us against one another, or perhaps it is that we often feel that we can’t be ourselves at work and it is hard to connect to someone when you don’t really know who they are. All of these get in the way of work working and that is why I think we need to bring our whole selves to work - our “I”- so that we have a chance of connecting, because this is how we will thrive.
Photo by charlesdeluvio on Unsplash
What do you know about the person sitting next to you? The person behind the position. Following working from home, we might feel that we have a little more of an idea about who this person is, having seen homes, plants, photos, artwork, pets and children. Let’s keep going. Whenever I suggest this in groups that you have a regular part of your team meetings that is about understanding who you are sitting next to or sitting across from in a Zoom meeting, I instantly get eye-rolling.
But realising we are more alike than we are different can be a potent counterpoint to the “us versus them” mentality that often springs up in competitive corporate environments. Again, when we introduce these types of exercises, we can feel a bit awkward or clunky, but can I encourage you to give them a go? It’s been interesting to witness the changes that occur when a workplace commits to this kind of practice.
You might start off gently with what you have done during the week. Perhaps the latest movies or Netflix shows to binge. You might then delve a bit deeper, like your favourite book, or favourite movie. I am sure you will find it is interesting what comes up here. From there, the sky’s the limit, but it needs to be built into the DNA part of your Ground Rules so people can feel comfortable and safe. Some changes I have noted have been an overall greater tolerance for others and of the quirks we come with. Becoming more aware of the people around you and attuned to some of the things they might be struggling with and even small acts of kindness that perhaps make everyone’s or one person’s day a little brighter and sometimes these things make all the difference.