Teamership: Connections are energy
Each of us can improve the connections within and across our teams. Photo by krakenimages on Unsplash
Professor Brene Brown defines connection as “the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued”.
I love this as a way of thinking. Viewing connections as an energy source is powerful.
Great team members seem to do this intuitively. It’s also something that we can all do with a bit more attention and design. Looking at Brown’s definition of connection, it’s clear that there are things that we can do to establish, maintain and develop the connections that we have across our multiple teams.
This definition of connection requires an effort from each of us to help others to be:
Seen
Heard
Valued
When we are seen - for who we are rather than what we do or who we could be - it changes the way that we show up. Ironic, but true. How we are seen influences what gets seen. As a team member, whenever we are able to see our colleagues as humans (not resources), we increase the chances that they will bring their best.
When we are heard (and not just tolerated), the quantity and quality of what gets shared in our conversations. This opens up the possiblity for dialogue rather than debate or a simple exchange of views. From there, we can create something together that wasn’t possible independently (which is the whole point of operating as a team). Our job as team members is to listen in a way that helps the other person feel heard.
Being seen and heard helps us to feel valued. When our unique perspective is respected and considered as part of the team’s working, we increasingly believe that we belong. Belonging is a belief that who we are adds value to the group. When we belong, we contribute. As team members, we can send regular and meaningful signals to others that they belong.
Some questions for you to consider this week.
How can you help one other person to feel seen this week?
What do you do to make others feel as though they are heard?
Which signals do you send in your teams to show others that they belong?