Does work feel like your safe place?
Does work feel like your safe place?
There is no doubt in my mind that organisations that create environments where people can learn, grow, make mistakes (not intentionally or repeatedly) and feel safe are the organisations that are absolutely set up to face the toughest challenges. As we mentioned last week, what stood out in Siya Kolisi’s reply to the question of a player making mistakes, was the fact that it gave the team (the organization) reassurance that we have got each other’s backs. As leaders, whether it be at home, at work or on the sports field, we have the responsibility to create environments where people can flourish. This does not mean protecting people from adversity or difficult things, but rather creating environments where they are encouraged to try difficult things while being equipped to cope with the stress and pressure.
Some people have (for various reasons) learned to respond better to stressful situations, to cope better when put under pressure and to flourish when faced with adversity. Often they were not protected from adversity but were exposed to it in the right doses (doses that matched their competence – let’s call it micro-doses of adversity). As a result, when they were faced with more challenging situations, they felt equipped with a level of confidence that they would be able to overcome and thrive regardless.
But how does one create this environment for people? Is it possible to teach people these skills? I believe so. Here are a few guidelines that we believe could help create these environments:
- Set the example.
Set the tone when it comes to looking after yourself. We know that kids don’t do what you say, they model what you do. As leaders of adults, this also applies. If we don’t walk the talk when it comes to prioritizing our holistic well-being, chances are slim that our followers will take it seriously themselves. It becomes much easier to be resilient when you are in a healthy state of spirit, body and mind. To the point of last week, it is contagious especially when the leader sets the tone. When you go first there is a much better chance that it will become embedded in the culture.
- Be consistent.
There is nothing more frustrating than inconsistency. When people around me are inconsistent or flakey, I find it super challenging to trust or rely on them. PJ once told me to be a good parent you must be boringly consistent. This stuck with me because I believe it applies to life in general. You don’t have to be flashy to be consistent. Consistency builds trust. It lets people know that you will be there when they need you. It gives people a sense of confidence. “I am not in this alone” which makes stressful situations more manageable. PJ recently shared how his pre-teen shared something with him and asked him some challenging questions – the result of trust built by consistently being there – for the easy and hard lessons. His son knows that when he needs help, answers, or guidance his dad is the most reliable source of that information – THIS IS A HUGE PAT ON THE BACK FOR A PARENT (and any leader).
- Be clear.
When we work with organisations where people feel stressed and anxious we undoubtedly find that these organisations and leaders are relying on implied understanding. They are not explicitly communicating what they require, value or expect. We cannot hold people accountable if we are not clear about what we need, or what is expected from them. And when our people don’t know what to aim for, they have no chance of hitting the target.
- Be kind, not nice.
Just because we create an environment where people are allowed to learn and grow does not mean that we protect them from the consequences of not performing. People need to know that every action has a reaction. People need to be held to a high standard otherwise they can become complacent. Almost everyone we come into contact with enjoys being held accountable for a high level of performance. It makes people feel like their contribution matters. You are not doing anyone any favours when you coddle them in the guise of being nice. Treat your people like adults who can think and want to contribute. 99% of them will not disappoint you!
- Create opportunities to connect.
We are hardwired to need to connect with other people. When people feel alone, they are WAY less resilient. When we have people around us who care about us and we get to connect with them regularly, we can get perspective, we feel like we belong, and we feel like we can do more. Allow people to spend time talking and sharing about things other than work. Switch off the digital platforms and look people in the eyes when possible. Reach out and get to know each other.
- See credit as an infinite resource.
It is a great feeling to get credit for a job well done. I absolutely despise the idea that we should not give credit or show too much appreciation in order to keep people on their toes. Sure, don’t give credit for mediocre work or contributions because that will most definitely lead to complacency. But to genuinely say thank you, genuinely recognize another person or their contribution and share credit for achievements is a key tool for building resilience. Your people will take it to heart and they will call on it when they are feeling the pressure.
- Believe that people are capable of more.
Do you believe in your people? Just because some people have let us down or disappointed us doesn’t mean that everyone will. We show up better when we know that others believe in us. We hold ourselves to a higher level when we know others hold us in high regard. But once again (as in point 1) this will require the leader to set the tone. How can you show your people that you believe in them? That you believe that they are capable of more?
Creating environments where people feel welcome, cared for and like they belong (at work and home) is crucial in these volatile times. It is one of the best tools we have to enable people to not just survive but to thrive.
If you would like to know more about how we are helping organisations and teams create these environments please get in touch!
You can reach us at info@purposeworks.co.za.
At PurposeWorks we are all about Making You and Your Work Rock. Our focus is on Organisational Health and Design, Employee Centered Culture, Leadership Development and Performance Coaching. For more information on how we can help you create a work environment that rocks, develop a great team, become an inspiring leader or unlock your personal excellence talk to us at info@purposeworks.co.za.
