Are You a Belonging Wannabe?

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What It’s About: Many folks tell me they really like the idea of belonging, and want that outcome as well. When I ask them what they do to create it, they often wander around the topic, eventually describing a hopeful outcome. Few, if any, have a strategy to intentionally create Belonging. Even fewer have a systematic process to achieve that result.

So What?: We know that wishing and wanting an outcome is a good place to start. And we also know that a lot of folks stop there: At the HOPE. Most of us also agree that HOPE is not a strategy. So how might we apply a strategy that genuinely creates Belonging at work?

Now What?: It helps when we realistically recognize that Belonging is a feeling on a continuum. Some periods of time we feel more or less like we belong. Ideally, we feel like we belong more often than not. So, how do we create conditions for that to happen?

Connect. First and foremost we have to want to belong (not just fit in). That means we have to show up and make ourselves open to others. The reverse is true. Knowing each other’s stories is really important. That’s why we reinforce the principle of “Connect before Content!”
Contribution. If you’re not contributing in a meaningful way, it’s difficult to feel like you belong. The best leaders ALWAYS create conditions where everyone on a team feels like they matter. They create an environment of psychological safety, while having high standards of excellence. (Check out Harvard’s Amy Edmondson’s work on this).
Clarity. The magnificent Brene’ Brown coined the phrase” clarity is kindness.” If we are tentative regarding expectations and/or not creating value others want, we miss a big step in feeling like we belong. Be clear that what you’re doing really matters to others!
Difference making. There is an overused phrase in business that “no one’s irreplaceable.” To some extent, that’s true, in that others can fill responsibilities or duties performed. However, there is only one of you or me. To that extent, we are irreplaceable. When we fully bring a unique difference to others, it increases our sense of belonging. Be a difference maker.

As we often say, it’s that easy and that hard. If you want a hand, reach out to lorne@belongify.com. We have demonstrated that the Belongify system works. Don’t you and your teammates deserve it? And even better, when you “Belongify” as a team, results and performance increases! How great is that? Furthermore the leader increases effectiveness. The Belongify system just keeps on giving!!

Think Big, Start Small, Act Now

Lorne

One Millennial View: What do those Instagram influencers say? “A goal without a plan is only a dream.” Well, if your goal is to increase belonging in your organization, then here’s your plan on a platter.

- Garrett

Edited and published by Garrett Rubis

Are You a Belonging Wannabe?

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