Human beings, being human. At work.
For me what's missing at work is being
human. Being human: demonstrating that human needs matter, such as the need to contribute, to be appreciated, to make a difference, and to belong.
Research shows that when employees' human needs are met at work, the more engaged employees are. When I say engagement I mean that people want to be there and are willing to go the extra mile, even when no one else is looking.
Gallup's 2013 State of the American Workforce report tells us that 70% of the U.S. workforce is disengaged. That's a lot of human needs not getting met. Managers get disengaged too. Thus, it is even more important that you focus on ensuring you get these needs met for yourself.
Even if you are not a manager, your level of engagement impacts your ability
to influence those around you.
You can't cultivate engagement until you take care of yourself first.
It's like the analogy about putting on your own oxygen mask before putting one on your child in an airplane. You can't
possibly lead others, set a good example, inspire and create an environment where human needs are supported until you've addressed these needs for yourself first.
Stop digging yourself a hole because you've lost touch with how your own choices impact your productivity and well-being. What about your need to contribute, to be appreciated, to make a difference, and to belong (among others)? Take a look
at what you actually need and give yourself permission to get it. This is a starting point for empowerment.
It only makes sense that you have to know what it feels like first, in order to create a human environment. A little secret -- this is important because your employees are only as effective and empowered as you allow yourself to be.
[Image: BigStockPhoto contributor kalim]
*Adapted from 9/27/13 post.
