I’ve been sitting on this one for a while, as you can see from the time stamp on this Twitter screen grab. The issue of safety in group interactions comes up so often and I feel this little devil on one shoulder, angel on the other. I can’t claim to make a space fully safe. And we can ask ourselves to co-create “brave space.” But there is never certainty.
I would love a different take, a different language around how we convene without doing damage to each other. In these post-election days here in the US, and two days after a child was shot at a local high school here in Seattle, I wonder a lot with a bruised heart.
For me, it would be trust. Trust in my leadership to be able to support and do right by me; and me in turn to them. Trust in my colleagues who can do the same.
Helen, thank you. I have been rolling around your comment in my mind. I think I am getting cynical as I get older. How do you create the fertile ground for trust? What if action is required before trust has been established? Conundrum!
Most certainly trust is established through actions not the words. And continual action with also humility in letting you or advising you otherwise. But, there’s got to be give and take. You need to do exactly the same thing back.
Yes, I totally understand the cynicism. I’m 53 years old and reached that point some time ago where you see the BS for what it is. I took some time out to reassess and reflect. It’s not nice to live like this. I hope to get it out of my system soon, I hope.
If you figure out how to get it out of your system, Helen, share your secret.
Beth Kanter https://bethkanter.org/ posted a link to the US Surgeon General’s site about workplace wellness. https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/workplace-well-being/index.html — Scroll down to the image about a 1/4 down the page. (Image URL https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/assets/framework.d11ee456_9rLud.png)
It seems to have some resonance with your observations.
When it comes down to it, it feels like we constantly wrestle with the wicked question of “how can we do what is right for ourselves and do what is right for the group/community/society.” It feels like a lot of the lack of safety, trust and brave spaces are because we fell into the hole of the almighty individual.
If I find the answer, you’ll be the first I’ll let know. This is the reason why I decided fo quit work this year and permanently delete my social media in order to get my headspace back and grapple with such questions. In place, I’ve been blogging my thoughts every day. Sometimes it makes sense, sometimes not. I’ve come to realise that organisations and leadership will not change unless they change their entire business and economic models.
Helen, the blog link in your comment is broken. Would you please share your blog url? I’d love to see what you are writing. I haven’t made the “off social media plunge,” but it is on my mind for so many reasons.
I think you are spot on about shifting/reinventing business and economic models. For NGOs it is also about mission!
Ah, I found the link https://activatelearning.com.au/blog/ off to read!
Thanks for posting the link to the workplace mental health and well being framework. I love it. I’m going to refer to it.
My blog is at:www.activatelearning.com.au/blog (or just go into the tab on top – click in My Writing
Bear in mind, what started as a site around social learning, communities and personal learning has now become a more reflective site where I post about these plus all the things that I’m doing and learning too. In the last year or so, since quitting work and having some big existential questions about work and life, I’ve shared those too. So it’s a jumble!
Ha, my blog has shifted that way as well!
I smiled with this. Maybe it’s something many people are experiencing. I look forward to reading more posts.