All employees want to feel that they belong in the workplace. Creating a sense of belonging results in greater on-the-job effort and higher employee performance. To build a sense of belonging, eliminate outsiderness, bring everyone on board and demonstrate care through benefits and initiatives. As a leader you need to create a work environment that discourages rejection. Here’s how:
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Prime the room for trust. To downplay hierarchies, start meetings by stating that all viewpoints are welcomed and valued. This will ease fear of rejection and put people into a more collaborative state of mind.
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Start with a shared reality. Send agenda items out before a meeting or give team members an article to read – and ask them for input. This signals that you care about what they think.
- Encourage candor and caring. Use open, non-judgmental language and listen with respect in all conversations. Thank people for sharing, and make sure that there are no negative repercussions for doing so.
The above leadership tip...
was sent in response to a question from a participant on our acclaimed 10/10 leadership development and mentoring programme and adapted from Preventing Rejection at Work by Judith Glaser. Whether you're a first time manager or an experienced leader, straightforward, practical advice on best practice is hard to find. Until now. To find out how you, your team or your organisation can benefit, please contact us.
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