With all that people have been navigating in recent months — issues related to global health, social injustice, and political and economic uncertainty; new modes of communication to master; and just general feelings of purposeless — it’s time for a reboot. Here are six strategies for helping your employees find meaning and inspiration in what they do each day.
1. Clarity: Are your mission, vision and values clear? Take time to make sure they all are aligned with precision. Everything on the path forward will become clearer. Your team may not have all the answers, but they’ll have energy and direction on how to take the next step.
2. Inclusivity: Leaders play an enormous role in widening the circle so that more diverse backgrounds, ideas, perspectives and experiences have a seat at the table. Teams and organizations will lead the way forward in society by modeling how to have civil, respectful dialogues and by educating people on the benefits of diversity, equity and inclusion. When our teams are inclusive and welcoming, it breathes life and energy into all. We’re stronger together.
3. Agility: Possibility and adaptability is the name of the game in a world of disruption. Allow your mind to find new ways of doing things and the courage to embrace opportunities that emerge. If leaders return to a “this is the way we’ve always done it” mindset, their people will take notice and respond accordingly.
4. Grit: Resolve and toughness are critical to helping people navigate their way through obstacles, challenges, negativity and division. Help your people stay focused on the present moment and the actions that are needed to take the next step. This isn’t about being physically stronger than others; I’s about being vulnerable while resolving to do the work to find solutions together.
5. Rest: Often, teams and organizations have an unhealthy association with the concept of rest. Yet research shows that deliberate rest is essential to top performance. When we allow our bodies, minds and hearts to reboot, we are more efficient at work and just generally better.
6. Ownership: Accountability and action are like oxygen that the best team cultures breathe. Accountability must be viewed as a positive mantra. In a world where people are quick to gossip, point fingers and be critics about what isn’t working, the best leaders shift conversations from blame to solutions.
Choose to inhale positivity and exhale negativity using these six mindsets. The ecosystem of your team culture will grow, develop and cultivate with intentionality — one breath at a time.
