I had one of the best strategic planning sessions I have ever had this week. Thirty completely different personalities, so many different types of jobs and focus, and a boat load of fun. We did some dreaming too. We adults seriously need some work in this area. Our day was a huge success, and the excitement to finalize a great strategic plan is a pleasure to see and feel.
Feel…there’s that soft side of the organization again. Emotions, feelings, kindness, compassion…these “things” play a huge role in the success of our organizations. Yet, they are ignored and not considered a priority. One of the things I appreciated so much about the group I worked with this week is the level of kindness and respect every single person had in this very intense session. I watched all the interactions. The non-verbals displayed each person was listening, hearing, and valuing the others in their small groups. I believe this is why the session was such a success and why people left on a high and excited.
I was thinking about one of the interviews from our research and how disrespected the individual in the interview was treated. She was a high-performer, focused on bringing great results to the organization, and an avid supporter of an inclusive and non-hostile work environment. It’s why she supported and assisted her colleague who was sexually harassed. The level of bullying, disrespect, and near physical violence was appalling. There is no doubt that this particular environment had a level of patriarchy and misogyny that permeated the culture, but where do those environments come from, and how are they able to thrive? It’s something deeper. There is a lack of compassion, kindness, respect. Compassion and kindness seem to take a back seat in the workplace. They are emotions that “we don’t talk about.” Guess what? This is just one example of why emotions “belong” in the workplace. When our organizations experience high levels of disrespect, lack of compassion, lack of kindness, and lack of focus on relationships, it makes creating a successful organization with a strong organizational culture difficult if not impossible.
Honestly, the relationships, emotions, and the people are the heart of your organization. This is where successful organizations rise from. Any organization can be successful when there is focus and balance on the task AND relationship. Yes, organizations can make money AND treat others well. It works. Isn’t this something we should be striving for always? We can be inclusive and supportive and still be financially successful! So, what is our problem with emotions? Feelings? Relationships? People?
When the participants in our research talk about the betrayals of trust they experience, the breaking of the psychological contracts always came down to a lack of respect and lack of compassion or kindness. Folks, the relationships in your organization are key to its success. I’m not saying you must be buddies with everyone or party together or know each other’s secrets (in fact, I don’t want to know some of the stuff I know about other people, but apparently, I am very trustworthy, ha).
I am talking about showing kindness, compassion, and respect for others in your organization. Creating relationships based on mutual respect and building trust. Being able to trust that we are all here to be productive and successful. This is the kind of place where dreams, play, innovation, creativity, and FUN permeate the culture. This kind of organization is successful in more ways than financial. This week was a reminder of how well kindness, compassion, and respect can create success. And, this is the kind of place I want to work. How about you?
Tell me about the level of respect, kindness, and compassion you experience in your organization? I’d really like to know.