Creating a better team at work through belonging

How to create so much more connection and joy and trust from the people you work with?

I have heard and also believe...

Belonging is a dance between polarities. When we dance between the “we" and the “me”...magic happens! The magic is what makes all the difference in feeling valuable, valued, and, yes, liked and included.

Connection happens when people are seen, heard, known, and understood. This is not just something that happens within our personal lives but also matters within a working environment.

Belonging happens when people are accepted for who they are and who they are not. Trust happens and is when people can express who they are and who they are not with an assurance of being included in the process.

This all adds to the purpose of why you are all there. When people have a shared sense of purpose it increases their sense of belonging as well as the feeling of acceptance which promotes trust and people naturally give far more within this environment.

We often misguidedly believe that when we approach people in formal type and or work situations we must “put on a face”. By this l mean to seem in charge, and come across reassured. Well, that is good and nothing wrong with knowing what you’re talking about when you are in charge of a project or a situation. However, formality and hierarchy usually put most people on guard at best.

Imagine you are about to go into a team meeting with all the people needed to contribute to the successful coming together of the project. Here’s how to not only get the best result but also get everyone on board in a far better way.

What to wear to present at the meeting? If it is possible, try and ditch a formal outfit. Wear a warm colour. You would be surprised by just how much what you wear when you present something matters. Something warm in colour and informal, definitely not pale, is more welcoming and encourages a relaxed feeling to others.

Lose the hierarchy, even if you are the boss. Being on the same level of hierarchy is, let’s face it, intimidating. Start by talking about something current that everyone is likely to be affected by. This brings a feeling of “we are all in this together”.

With a more relaxed beginning those involved will feel more like contributing and feel that they can also offer their own thoughts and approach. Everyone, including you, will feel better and enjoy the interpersonal more open, and low-key, feeling of co-creating.

If you are approachable then others' thoughts, ideas, and contributions will become more abundant and therefore more diverse. This all creates a feeling of connection and teamwork and for everyone involved a feeling of both belonging and belonging to the whole.

I coach people to improve their working environment so that they feel less anxious about their presentations and working relationships.

To discuss how this might help you, a discovery call is free and can be arranged here on the Life Coach Directory.