Are you elevating or undermining individuals?

Recently, in Brené Brown's enlightening podcast, Adam Grant posed an intriguing query: Are you elevating or undermining individuals?

This thought-provoking topic got me thinking about the importance of effective leadership and life coaching in fostering a culture of success.

Let me share a compelling story that highlights the impact of leadership on individuals' performance. I have a friend who is an exceptional high-performer in their workplace. Their dedication, focus, and hard work have earned them recognition as one of the top performers in the office. However, their boss's recent request revealed a glaring issue. Despite being one of the highest-paid employees, my friend was asked to install their work email on their phone, blurring the boundaries between work and personal life.

Naturally, my friend expressed a desire to keep work and personal life separate, emphasizing their need for uninterrupted personal time outside of work hours. Unfortunately, their boss dismissed their concerns, using comparisons with other employees' practices and salaries as an argument.

The boss failed to recognize the hidden message behind my friend's refusal: "I am already overworked, and the rest of the team is not pulling their weight due to being underpaid. Don't burden me further."

This situation highlights a larger issue prevalent in many organizations: a focus on individualistic performance at the expense of collaborative teamwork. The toxic workplace environment my friend faces undermines their motivation and satisfaction. And they are not alone. Countless employees endure underpaid, hazardous conditions, lacking proper training and support.

Let's address the core problem: pay significantly impacts performance. While it may not be the sole motivator for everyone, fair compensation is essential for individuals to thrive. Underpaid employees become disengaged, their dissatisfaction eroding their performance. It's a matter of control and meeting basic needs. When individuals lack control over their situation and feel stuck, they struggle the most.

But here's the twist—my friend, despite being justly compensated, refuses to switch to a salaried position. They prioritize work-life balance over increased pay. The difference in mindset and motivation between the underpaid employee and my friend speaks volumes about the impact of a broken system and poor leadership.

To elevate individuals and optimize team performance, effective leadership is key. Here are four science-based tips rooted in positive psychology and leadership principles to improve your leadership influence and improve productivity:

1. Focus on Behavior: Rather than solely focusing on organizational culture, measure and nurture specific behaviors that drive performance. Recognize personal responsibility and work ethic as essential metrics.

2. Foster Meaningful Work: To unlock your team's full potential, ensure their basic physiological and safety needs are met. Consult a coach to discover strategies for creating a more purposeful workplace. When employees find meaning in their work, their productivity soars.

3. Create a Safe Space: The pandemic has underscored the need for human connection and support. Consider hiring an internal or external coach to provide a safe outlet for employees to express themselves. Coaching or therapy programs can significantly enhance team productivity and well-being.

4. Respect Boundaries: Setting boundaries is crucial, but respecting others' boundaries is equally important. By encouraging open communication and actively listening to your team's needs, you foster a culture of respect and understanding.

Leadership is about empowering others to succeed.

Are you truly fostering a culture of empowerment and growth within your team?

Have you considered the hidden costs of a toxic workplace?

Are you paying attention to the motivational needs of your employees?

How can you create a sense of purpose and meaning in your team's work?

Are you respecting boundaries and promoting work-life balance?

Let us know in the comments!
By implementing these strategies, you can cultivate a work environment where individuals thrive and teamwork flourishes.

A Life of Being is here to support you on this journey.

Our dedicated coaches can provide personalized action plans tailored to your role. Contact us here with any questions.

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