We can be motivated in many ways, but connecting to our inner ‘why’ is almost always more sustaining and powerful than external rewards, praise or punishment. More than four decades of research show that internal motivation is a strong predictor of high performance at work, at school, and in life. And in the context of adapting either to working from home or working in a very different way than we’re used to, helping people find that internal drive is probably one of the most important skills any leader should master.
Belonging: helping others Know they matter
Belonging, feeling accepted and included by a social group, is a fundamental human need wired into our DNA. While more and more companies are realizing that true diversity and inclusion require us to build a culture where people feel valued for who they are, in a virtual workplace that requires intentional effort. Here are 4 tips for building a sense of belonging on your team.
High Quality Connections: staying close even when apart
High quality connections (HQCs) are positive interactions, even brief ones, that make you feel seen, energized, uplifted and engaged whether you do them virtually or face-to-face. In times of stress and “physical distancing”, one of the most important things we can do for our well-being is stay connected to others.
Responding to good news: Celebrating when things go right
Most of us have probably spent a fair bit of time sharing bad news recently. We need that kind of social support to cope. But how much time have you spent intentionally sharing good news? Finding and celebrating the good stuff in our lives is a powerful strategy for resilience. Research shows that doing so increases our well-being (for both the person sharing the good news and the one celebrating it), makes us feel like we belong, and is a foundational ingredient to building healthy relationships.
Flow: Focusing for a better day
Have you found yourself preoccupied by your news feed, depleted by multiple meetings, or distracted by little ones turning your desk into a fort? Many of us are feeling unsettled with our attention scattered on so many different things. Fortunately, research has shown that we can practice strengthening our attention muscles and return to a state of flow for a more enjoyable, energizing, and productive day.
Character Strengths: Harnessing the best of us when we need it most
We all have character strengths that come more naturally to us and tapping into them can help us stay resilient, maintain engagement and build connection - both when times are going well and also when we’re in crisis. This resource will help you become aware of your strengths, explore them and apply them when you need them most.