Belonging: The Key to High Performance and a Better Life
What makes people truly thrive in the workplace? Is it a hefty paycheck, a fancy title, or a corner office? According to Paul Haury, an executive coach specializing in belonging, the answer lies in something much deeper: a sense of belonging.
In a recent episode of the "Love as a Business Strategy" podcast, host Jeff Ma sat down with Haury to explore the transformative power of belonging in the workplace. Haury, who has extensive experience in fostering belonging in both educational and corporate settings, shared his insights on how belonging can unlock high performance, create a more fulfilling work experience, and even improve our personal lives.
Beyond Feeling Affirmed: The True Meaning of Belonging
Haury challenges the conventional notion of belonging as simply feeling accepted or included. He argues that true belonging goes beyond warm and fuzzy feelings; it's about actively feeling, owning, and caring for others, and having them reciprocate those feelings.
"Belonging is feeling, owning, and caring for somebody in successes, dreams, and failures," explains Haury. "And they do the same for you."
The High-Performance Power of Belonging
When people genuinely belong, they're more likely to go above and beyond, to innovate, and to persevere through challenges. They're not just working for a paycheck; they're working for something bigger than themselves - for their team, for their company, and for a shared purpose.
Haury emphasizes that belonging isn't about creating a utopia where everyone always agrees. It's about fostering an environment where people feel safe to be vulnerable, to take risks, and to support each other through thick and thin.
The Journey to Belonging: Overcoming Hurdles and Finding Your Why
Haury acknowledges that the current economic system often prioritizes profits over people, making it challenging to cultivate belonging in the workplace. He stresses the importance of courageous leadership, a willingness to challenge the status quo, and a genuine commitment to caring beyond the bottom line.
"It requires somebody to have a shift in their own internal story," says Haury. "And that person has to have the ability to be in power and influence, to make that change in the face of the risk."
Heart-Based Leading: Creating a Culture of Belonging
Haury advocates for a "heart-based leading" approach, where leaders prioritize empathy, accountability, and compassion. This involves creating a space where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work.
He also highlights the importance of sharing stories that inspire and motivate, helping people connect with a shared purpose and believe in the possibility of a better way of working.
Belonging: A Catalyst for Change
Haury's insights offer a powerful reminder that belonging is not just a nice-to-have; it's a fundamental human need that can drive high performance, create a more fulfilling work experience, and even transform our personal lives. By embracing the principles of heart-based leading and fostering a culture of belonging, we can unlock the full potential of our teams, our organizations, and ourselves.
Want to learn more about the transformative power of belonging?
- Listen to the full "Love as a Business Strategy" podcast episode.
- Connect with Paul Haury and explore his coaching services.
- And of course, grab a copy of the "Love as a Business Strategy" book!
