Do we need to feel like we belong and are accepted as we are to be happy in life or work?
Yesterday I mentioned the importance of love and loving and how belonging and acceptance are an integral part of perpetuating that state.
Whether we admit it or not, we all deeply long to be loved and accepted. What that looks like is a matter of personal preference.
It’s understandable why. We are conditioned to focus on outcomes; to believe that our worth is defined by our level of productivity and status/income, the amount of money we make, our zip code, the toys we have, the cars we drive, our looks, our home, our standing in the community, our likes and followers, and platforms, etc. The list never ends.
Today I want to further explore how to create a greater sense of belonging and acceptance not only for yourself but also for others. Why is this so important?
Several employee satisfaction studies show a greater emphasis being placed on internal measures of success, especially about a sense of belonging and recognition.
Akin to climbing Maslow’s Hierarchy, there is a clear trend toward personal growth, spiritual enlightenment, and awakening. In addition, issues-based goals to increase cultural awareness and affect change, especially with issues of equity and justice are fast becoming new barometers of success, especially for the next generation of leaders.
Creating healthy inclusive communities or companies will require that all are welcome. For the organizations and communities of the future to thrive we must feel like we belong and are accepted as we are.
The responsibility to create this sense of belonging and acceptance rests with each individual as well as the leaders of the various communities, organizations, and companies who place a high value on inclusion.
To create this for ourselves and the organizations we lead means we need to be crystal clear about what we want and what purpose the organization or we serve. That will differ among every person or group. But once those questions are answered it will create a unity and cohesive mission where individuals and the collective community will collaborate to serve a purpose far more significant than individual or corporate selfish interests and desires.
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash