From Inauthentic Imposter to Inspired Insider: The Power of Belonging at Work
"What's the difference between feeling a sense of belonging at work vs 'fitting in' at work?"
This is a question I frequently pose in my workplace culture workshops and it always leads to great insights. People quickly realize that there is an important
distinction worthy of a deeper conversation back in their workplaces.
Participants will typically tell me that they feel 'fitting in' is about changing how a person speaks, acts, even dresses, or even thinks, in order to feel like they are part of the team. It's about considering the unwritten rules that might be influencing behaviors at work, where people intuitively
sense that they need to be a chameleon in order to fit in with their team.
A sense of true belonging, on the other foot, is when we feel as though we can bring our real selves to work and will be accepted as who we are. And the research is clear: A greater sense of belonging improves happiness levels, loyalty, and engagement at work. Conversely, when people don't feel a
sense of belonging they are less resilient, less loyal, and less likely to offer up new ideas.
It's not just about inviting people to meetings or social activities, it's much deeper than that.
According to research by the Coqual think tank, a
sense of belonging is rooted in four key elements: being seen for your unique contributions; feeling connected to your coworkers; being supported in your daily work and career goals; and feeling proud of your organization's values and mission.
So, why not take the question of "fitting in" vs "belonging" back to your team, talk about how your team might rate their sense
of belonging, and share what behaviors might be impeding a sense of belonging at work and what might be done to strengthen everyone's sense of belonging.
Mike's Fun at Work Tip
Tomorrow is official Name Tag Day and Friday is official Middle Name Pride Day, so why not plan a day where everyone wears one of those "Hello my Name is _____" stick-on name tags and have everyone write down their middle name as a fun way to engage with one another and learn something new about your team mates. If some folks don't
have a middle name they get to make up a middle name...like, "Danger." (Mine is Douglas by the way...so yes, I am Michael Douglas.)
Quote of the Week
"Common sense and a sense of humor are the same thing, moving at different speeds. A sense of humor is just common sense, dancing." William James
Funny Business
As seen on a store sign in Australia (I've cleaned the language up a tad using the word 'jerk' instead. As the author of The-Jerk-Free Workplace I am kinda partial to the word)
NO JERKS
We ask you to respect our "No Jerks" policy!
If you are a jerk, have been known
to be a jerk,
or are thinking about being a jerk today,
we ask that you go be a jerk somewhere else.
Cost-Saving Opportunities to Book Michael
Regina: March
19-21
Saskatoon: April 15-18
Toronto: April 5-12
Edmonton: April 23-26
Saskatoon: May
12-15
Toronto: May 25-31
Saint John, NB: June 1-10
England/Wales: June 15-30
The Jerk-Free Workplace: How You Can Take the Lead To Create a Happier, More Inspiring Workplace. Speaking of "no jerks" policies, The Jerk-Free Workplace is all about how employees at every level of an
organization can step up as a true lead on their team, regardless of their position or job title. It's not just about NOT being a jerk, it's about being a leader no matter where you sit on the organizational tree.
"An uplifting reminder that anyone can take the lead at work. The Jerk-Free Workplace should be required reading
for every employee." Ron Friedman, PhD, author of The Best Place to Work
Culture Leadership Course
Sign up as many team members as you can (amazing bulk discount rates are available!) to my Culture Leadership online course.
