A culture of honour and safety

It's amazing what a new year can bring. A change in leadership. A change in perspective. A change in direction. A change in purpose. A change in how you feel valued.

Dr Susan Scott writes in her book "Fierce Leadership: A bold alternative to the worst 'best practices' of business today" that we have become so consumed in the "business" of what we do and lack to remember the value of people. Too often we have been so consumed in gaining more business and success that we have taken away the value of human connectivity. We need to be very aware of what we say, but make sure that the culture that we create in our workplaces is honouring, respectful and courageous.

I have heard the term "honour the absent" of which I find to be so incredibly important. Respecting others by not talking about them when they are there and making sure that you are aware of what say before its spoken. Our conversations define culture.

If someone has been asked to do a job and they really don't have the time, but they do it. Are you going to thank them, or whinge about the negative parts of the what they "haven't done" that inconveniences you? Or do you spend a moment thanking them for going out of their way?

This journey of leadership to some is a destination, a pedestal, a lonely place. But to me, leadership is a verb. It creates action, but also allows for the team to work simultaneously together. Not with one person leading, but allowing for the team to work to their strengths, looking to empower those who yearn to be empowered.

So the next time you are prompted to have a conversation with someone in your workplace, think about the graphic above. Will this conversation add value to someone? Will you listen to hear their concerns and not interject? Will you support the person you are speaking with or just tolerate? Is the person present that you are talking about? What positive action can come from your conversation?

Remember, you can always think out loud.... but is this helpful? Does the person you are speaking to feel valued at the end of the conversation??

Human connectivity is vital. We all need to feel valued.

"Great things are not accomplished by those who yield to trends and fads and popular opinion" Jack Kerouac.

Scott. S. 2009. Fierce Leadership: A Bold Alternative to the worst 'best practices' of business today. Hachette UK.http://www.hachette.co.uk