When we think of humanity at work, we value people at the heart of business. And we come to grips with human dynamics instead of pretending that we are productive and efficient machines.
Recently, I worked with a fast-growing start-up and engaged in deep conversations with numerous people. These interactions revealed that many feel undervalued, exhausted, and confused. They experience decisions made without understanding, and they don’t feel heard or seen. A sense of burnout and a lack of caring is evident although the leaders do care deeply and are doing their best.
Sadly, this isn’t surprising. Startups, initially fueled by the passion and collective efforts of a dedicated team united by a shared mission, rely on this human connection for their initial growth. However, as they grow, their focus shifts more towards products, services, or profits. Often losing sight of their most critical assets and why they are in business in the first place.
This transition, a significant misstep, detracts from the essence that propelled their growth. Ironically, these companies, having drifted from their human-centric beginnings, often struggle to kindle the spirit and camaraderie of their early days.
This situation highlights a forgotten vital truth: the people and the need for humanity at work. Open communication is what connects us.
The creativity, commitment, and collaboration of people drive any business. There is no one-size-fits-all solution or expert to infuse a sense of caring. It requires conscious leaders who hold themselves and their management accountable for nurturing and valuing people. This means not only acknowledging but actively investing in the welfare and development of teams and customers.
Why is understanding that people are the heart of it all so challenging? When we communicate openly with honesty and transparency, everything changes.
Despite all the experts, we often forget to fuel people, leading instead to a depletion.
It’s time to stop pretending that we are machines that must be productive and efficient. We can embrace our humanity as it ripples into every corner of the universe. This is not just a call to action but a reminder of the inherent power of human potential and collaboration in shaping the future of any company. Can we steer our workplaces to a culture that truly values its people and treats us the way we want to be valued?
Understanding the world demands a bold approach to ideas, embracing experimentation without fear of failure. It’s about continually refining our actions to enhance their effectiveness. What if our mistakes are integral to our profound understanding of nature? Maybe it’s time to become daring in thought, courageous in taking risks, and skeptical of established notions, including our own.
True courage lies in the willingness to err and to repeatedly revise one’s ideas in pursuit of discovery. It’s a journey towards understanding, where it is not to be right, but to strive for understanding. Perhaps this mindset is key to unlocking deeper insights into how we show up in our world.