“In organizations, real power and energy is generated through relationships, and the capacity to form those relationships is more important than tasks, functions, roles, and positions.” – Dr. Margaret Wheatley
Consider this as your reminder to re-orient toward the things that matter most both at work and at home: people.
It’s so easy to get caught up in the work – writing reports, executing strategic plans, writing presentations, and on and on – and let axis begin to spin around tasks rather than people. When tasks become king, resources seem to run dry – time, money, space. Yet when relationships are elevated, possibility rules. Because what can’t we do when we work together?
Also, if you or your team are in the middle of or plan to do any kind of work to dismantle racism in your organization, investing in your relational health is an absolute must. Honest conversations about race with coworkers you don’t know and don’t trust? Forget it. We can only dare to participate honestly in the necessary dialogue around race and power with the cover of trusted relationships.
Questions to ask yourself:
- Will this program or initiative truly benefit people in the way they need it to?
- Is my language person-centered or achievement-centered?
- Do I, my staff, and colleagues feel more like machines or humans at work? (Read our blog on this!)
- How can I take more time to connect with the people around me?
Make the connections today between your work and the humans around you – your colleagues, friends, family, and the children and parents you serve. Move in that direction and see what becomes possible.