Taking action in the face of uncertainty is scary. As uncertainty and complexity increase, our deepest survival instincts become set off even more. These pressures are particularly pronounced for leaders. Leaders need to sort out matters in their own life and they have teams turning to them for answers. These uncertain times are a chance for leaders to rise by anchoring with equanimity, leading with transparency, and responding to the world pragmatically.
A lot of attention has been given to “The Great Resignation.” What next? The human species owes its strength and its existence to connection and cooperation. We need each other to not only survive but also to thrive. As compassionate leaders, we are remaking our organizations to prioritize safety, connection, and belonging for all. “The Great Reconnection” is already underway.
Our drive to achieve and accumulate comes from a place of wanting to create safety. It also comes with a terrible cost. The more we succeed at setting ourselves apart, the lonelier it becomes. The good news is that we are also wired to care for each other. Recognizing our interconnectedness supports us in leading in order to thrive individually, in communities, and in organizations.
Is your team really a team? Or is it just a collection of individuals? It doesn’t matter how many skills you have represented in your working group, or how talented each member is. Unless they work as a cohesive unit, you will not achieve the maximum effectiveness of the group or enable each individual to realize their full potential. Here are three ways to get your team moving together.
Work has always been serious. On top of this, COVID-19 has disrupted most of our work norms, and we are finally facing a global reckoning after centuries of systemic racism. Is it okay to have fun, too? YES! Playfulness, fun, spontaneity, and silliness are all attributes that contribute to organizational success, and will help us to thrive in the face of the very serious challenges of the world.
