What’s that you say? LOVE in the WORKPLACE? When I say “love,” I’m not talking about finding your significant other or violating a Human Resources policy. I’m talking about an energy, mindset and approach to your working relationships.
Here’s how love can show up in the workplace – professionally speaking:
- You want the best for others. If your actions stem from love (not fear or apathy), you want others to shine, be at their best, be given credit for their work, be able to grow and learn. You’re not secretly wishing they fail or that you outshine them. This is recognized in managers whose goal is to empower their team members to be successful and achieve the desired results.
- You assume positive intentions. A loving mindset gives people the benefit of the doubt. You assume, unless you confirm otherwise, that people’s intentions are positive. Even if you see behavior that is detrimental to the team and organization, you don’t assume it stemmed from cruel intentions. Actions are needed to address the issue, but the conversation is approached with an open mind and open-ended questions.
- Your actions help others grow. Love isn’t about keeping team members in the same job or stifling their learning. It’s about helping them contribute at their highest level, which best serves the organization. Not only can you be a role model for others with this “love in the workplace” approach, but you can also support others’ growth by encouraging them to align their career paths with their strengths and interests. By creating a safe environment, you encourage others to step outside their comfort zone, learn and contribute more.
- You give others the space to be themselves and less than perfect. When you love someone, you’re not spending time trying to get him or her to be like everyone else or conform to the rules. You’re providing necessary guidance while letting your team members be themselves and bring their strengths to the table. In a coach-like manner, you address issues without condescension and use those opportunities as learning experiences. When people feel safe to be themselves, they contribute more fully to the team.
- You show your appreciation. If you’re focused on love, you want others to feel appreciated for who they are and what they contribute to the organization. Showing that appreciation helps team members feel valued, which affects their desire to contribute and their commitment to the organization.
- You have mutual trust. When team members know you have their best interests at heart, it builds trust. You are supporting their growth and being transparent and sincere in your communication. This, too, increases engagement and commitment.
- You make the investments someone needs to be successful. While there are budgets to adhere to, investments of time and money are needed so others may thrive in their work. There are a lot of conflicting priorities at work, especially for managers. Sometimes we need to make time, though, for the employee who needs to be heard and coached. Sometimes we need to roll up our sleeves, sit down next to a coworker and get a project out the door.
Imagine! Imagine you are not only the giver, but also the receiver of this type of love in the workplace. Really take time to sense how you would feel and how your actions would be influenced by this experience: You know your coworkers and manager want the best for you. You trust them, and they trust you. They assume you have positive intentions. They help you grow in a safe environment. They give you room to be yourself, make mistakes and shine. They invest in giving you the resources you need to do your job well. They show their appreciation for you and your work. You have open, honest, professional conversations when issues arise. You feel their love and support.
Wouldn’t you be engaged, motivated to achieve results, and willing to go the extra mile in that loving environment?
If these beliefs, feelings and actions don’t come naturally to you, it’s best to focus on loving yourself first. Then it becomes easier to share that love with others. … Too deep? It’s true.
The workplace is often where intellect and unemotional decision-making are valued. Instead, let love rule and you’ll see a shift in employee engagement!
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