Isn’t That Special
For years…or more accurately, decades, I’ve noodled the concept of ‘special.’ It seems most of us share a deep desire to both be seen as special and to fit in. In some ways, that can seem almost contradictory. But, it seems to work itself out most of the time.
As a business coach/consultant/trainer/adviser, I see these needs show up often—in both leaders and their people.
People long for a sense of being seen as singular in their skill, their competency, their contribution and also a longing to be one with the group.
I find that companies that recognize these two essential human needs and work with them in a conscious way do better.
Before anybody is tempted to mock the idea with a disparaging reference to the “everyone’s a winner!” campaign, I offer the following. Recognizing someone as special is not about a badge or canned moniker. It’s about looking someone in the eyes and sincerely saying ‘nice job’ when they do a nice job. It’s being aware and recognizing when someone goes above and beyond…even a little bit. Sometimes, it’s setting the bar just high enough to invite more and taking the time to acknowledge them when they make it happen.
Creating a connected group that trusts and supports one another is similar, but dovetails slightly. Like with noticing someone’s special achievement, communicating appreciation is still critical. However here it’s important to weave a more united ‘we.’ Camaraderie is built on the connection that mutual trust and honesty forge. Inclusion is the bigger energy here—as a group entity is being formed.
Being perceived as special and belonging are powerful human needs.
Rather than being exclusive of one another, they can actually support and catalyze each other. Supporting the big human needs in the workplace is not about kowtowing to or going soft. Nor is it about campaigns or psycho-babble. It’s about attending to that which lifts and inspires people beyond a protective survival mindset and into greater potential.
When critical human needs are attended to, we are much more likely to move into our greater potential.
Discover more here!