Words Matter – At Work (part 3 of 3)
By Terre Short
The Great Resignation – layoffs – burnout – retention – engagement – thriving – wellbeing – what do all of these words have in common? They are not mere statistics, they represent, inform, and affect human beings. There are feelings wrapped up in each word that may be different for each of us. These are words we might hear in the workplace on a routine basis. Every organization has an opportunity to openly discuss the effect of these words on their workforce and align related actions to the values of the company.
If you work in tech and no one is talking about layoffs, there is likely an underlying downward spiral in productivity borne out of lack of knowledge. When we lack information, we tend to go to MSU: Make $h1t Up. If you are in healthcare, and you have not been engaged in real conversations about burnout this past year, your organization may be in denial. If you perceive “wellbeing” as a buzzword and observe no meaningful dialogue about what it means for you, you may consider creating a buzz about it.
It is incumbent upon leaders to listen well to what these words mean to your workforce, all that apply. Learn to ask great questions and lean into learning more with your ears. Your definition and potential solutions are irrelevant if you are not aligned with what your workforce feels about these words.
We are on a mission to help leaders ask better questions. Our Cultivating Curiosity Prompts offer questions to consider for learning more about the engagement of your team. The One-on-One Overview document offers key questions for learning what is most important to the daily work of your direct reports. Offered below are some year-end questions to spark conversation around the highlights of this past year. You might offer them for individual contemplation and invite any sharing that feels right, or you could ask one or two in your first 1:1 of the New Year.
Year-end Reflection Questions:
• How has this year been a gift to you?
• What moment brought you a great sense of joy?
• What or who has been a source of comfort for you?
• What have you accomplished this year that has brought you great satisfaction?
• What have you learned this year about yourself? Any other important insights or learnings from this year?
• What is your greatest contribution to the world?
The answers to these questions provide insight into wellbeing, engagement, and a sense of thriving. They may also suggest an antidote to burnout for an individual. The words that are chosen in response to these, or any of the questions in the other resources, provide valuable insight and an opportunity to respond from a place of curiosity and deep empathy.
Watch for upcoming posts on elevating your listening and empathetic words choices.
