Post by mstjuste on Jun 16, 2021 20:02:30 GMT
Power of Acknowledgment - Can Do Culture Ar....pdf (254.4 KB)
“People need to be heard.” - Tracy Quinton, Quinton Group
Every individual has a voice. That voice isn’t simply manifested in levels of high or low pitch, vibrato, monotonous or fluctuating tones. Those are all simple manifestations of something deeper. A voice is more than what you hear audibly. Some say it’s your calling in life . In fact, Simon Sinek would refer to it as your WHY (Sinek). According to Rick Warren, Author of The Purpose-Driven Life, the purpose of your life fits into a much larger, cosmic purpose that God has designed for eternity (Warren). A voice is your divine purpose. It is the one Language you speak that everyone can understand but is uniquely your own. For some, this voice manifests creatively through inventions and innovations. For others it manifests in through dance, song or the arts. For our purposes, let’s define the voice as: a spiritual fingerprint; the physical and social manifestation of an innate way of being that if allowed to manifest, connects one’s self and others to a greater good.
When we look at a voice in the workplace, we find that a voice is an employee's unique way of communicating excellence. It is their tool of connection and productivity. When an employee is connected with their purpose, they eventually become attune to and aware of their natural gifts and abilities. Their distinct way of being and doing things makes them a significant addition to the institution or organization they’re a part of. When this voice is acknowledged, it enables the individual to become aware of their impact and the value their voice brings to the whole. As a result, confidence grows and leadership is born. The lack of acknowledgement or the rejection of a voice leads to low morale and disconnection to one’s impact and value. This eventually leads to the decline in energy for the individual and the team. Kenan Aden, Chief Operating Officer of MVLE says “One person can make a difference. The leader sets the tone.” (Norris and Sabatino)
Acknowledgement is the key tool needed to build staff morale during good times and during times of crisis. When people are attuned to who they are in the world and why they exist, crises don’t stop them from doing or being who they know themselves to be or do. In fact, they seem to thrive in the midst of crises because acknowledgment enables them to see their value and their impact on others.
Debra Roberts, Inc.com contributor wrote that “When we consistently show up authentically and with integrity and turn toward the other person, letting them know that they matter to us, we build trust and credibility.” (Roberts)
Building this doesn’t happen overnight. It begins in the writing of a culturally inclusive mission and vision statement. It begins when laying the blueprint. It begins when the leader listens and hears the voice of each employee and speaks their language using Hope, Empathy and Resilience.