Can you remember a time when you felt like you really belonged?
For me, it was the day I became a submariner.
During the pinning ceremony, the gold dolphin insignia was placed on my uniform signifying I was a qualified submarine officer. That insignia told the world I belonged to an exceptional group of people qualified in underwater warfare.
It was one of my proudest moments, and it’s an important identity I have kept my whole life.
So what about you? How do you feel when you really belong?
There something powerful about that feeling. It’s in our human nature to want to belong, to be part of a tribe. The problem is that this feeling is missing for so many people. Unfortunately, COVID has even made the situation worse. Young people, especially, are feeling increasingly disconnected.
It’s in our human nature to want to belong, to be part of a tribe. Click To TweetWhile we are connected more-and-more virtually, we are becoming disconnected both physically and emotionally.
Human connection was a primary topic in my conversation with Gabriel Klingman on my recent podcast episode. Gabriel was a manager at Starbucks for nearly a decade. One of the things he observed about young people is that they had a real “longing to belong.”
He also observed that, if you could create an environment where they felt like they were part of something special, it unleashed their potential as an employee. They became dedicated to what they did because there was a feeling of belonging.
He observed that belonging drove performance, especially with younger employees.
Creating a sense of belonging is an integral part of leadership. As you build your team, you need to consider if your employees feel like they belong to something special.
Have you created an environment where it’s special to be part of your tribe? Or is it just a job?
Work has the potential to be more than just a four-letter word. It can be where people can go, have friends, and strive together towards a common goal.
Work has the potential to be more than just a four-letter word. Click To TweetFor some people, it might be the only place where they feel like they belong. They might have a troubled home life, but when they come to work, there’s stability. I know for me, my business feels more like a family than a company.
The question is, how can you create a culture of belonging within your team?
Creating a high-performance culture and a high-performing team requires a feeling of belonging and connection.
I challenge you today to think about how you can create a tribe with a true sense of belonging. It will help your employees reach their full potential and help you become a more effective leader.
Listen in to my whole discussion with Gabriel Klingman here.
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