Lessons from the Sidewalk: What Kids Can Teach Us About Creating Positive Organizational Culture

Creating Positive Organizational Cultures

In this issue: Lessons from the Sidewalk: What Kids Can Teach Us About Creating Positive Organizational Culture / 103 Bits of Advice I Wish I Had Known / How to become a better listener, according to science / Ignoring Your Way to Success / The Lighter Side of Play

Lessons from the Sidewalk: What Kids Can Teach Us About Creating Positive Organizational Culture

When did we stop cheering each other…

and lose that childlike thrill in seeing those around us succeed?

The other day, during my morning walk (it’s all about setting that circadian clock), I couldn’t help but notice a series of positive messages in chalk going all around the sidewalk of the park.

There must have been a race or training or …

Perhaps the artist(s) just wanted to share a few positive words to brighten the day of whoever walked by

It worked.

It made me smile.

Though the rain had faded the chalk, the power of the idea still stood out.

What if instead of looking for faults, missteps, or (almost as bad) saying nothing at all, we filled the “sidewalks” of our offices (IRL or remote) or lives with supportive messages cheering each other on to achieve those daily victories or just a better day.

It’s been a tough 2+ years for everyone and if the data is any indication neither COVID nor the stress we’re feeling from it and other world events are going away anytime soon.

So, maybe it’s time we handed out the chalk and change organizational norms from flaw-spotting to strength-spotting.

This isn’t to suggest that companies not address poor performance or other behavioral issues, but that they’d benefit from creating work environments where people feel more valued and cared for...simply because they are.

Positively Speaking

Positive psychology is flourishing, and for that matter so is flourishing.

The research shows that positivity has an undeniable beneficial impact on our wellbeing and performance.

In his very funny TedTalk, psychologist, Shawn Achor, demonstrates that happiness not only feels good, it actually inspires us to be more productive.

Okay, I may have only included that because it happens to be one of my favorite talks and I think we could use a laugh (putting theory into practice) … I’m sure you’re feeling more productive already.

The truth is, it’s not about productivity, it’s about the human condition and acknowledging the difference between thriving and just surviving, particularly during difficult times.

Two years…two long years, in which only the rare few of us didn’t experience some degree of loneliness or aloneness, at least in comparison to our lives before.

It’s taken a toll upon an already fragile ecosystem.

A system that was already taxed by…

Increased working hours.

More time online than with others.

Financial and countless other stresses.

So, yes, I know it may be “childish” to think a few positive words in chalk will change organizational cultures, and if I’m being honest, I know it won’t.

But a little more support and encouragement can help change the daily lives of the people working there and just maybe, make it a bit easier for all of us to find our own “victories” during the day or at the very least smile a bit more.

—

RECOMMENDED LISTENS, READS

103 Bits of Advice I Wish I Had Known

From the great Kevin Kelly on the occasion of his 70th birthday. As he put it, he had “jotted down bits of unsolicited advice each year and much to my surprise I have more to add this year. So here is my birthday gift to you all: 103 bits of wisdom I wish I had known when I was young.”

How to become a better listener, according to science

High-quality listening is an underrated ability. How well and frequently you listen to others is a better predictor of your leadership potential than your actual intelligence or personality. 

Ignoring Your Way to Success

A different kind of Commencement Address by The Power of Regret (and countless others) Author Dan Pink.

—

The Lighter Side of Play

—

Are there any other subjects you want me to cover? Have Questions? Or, Need a Coach to Help You Create Your Wild and Precious Life… Hit “Reply” and tell me!

I love hearing from you :)!

—

If you enjoyed this newsletter, please forward to a friend (or 5 :) or someone you feel would benefit from reading it!

—

Andrea J. Miller

+1 (646) 556-5401 (Whatsapp)