We Need Change
I can’t imagine you having a rant.
These words, shared with me by a kind colleague and friend, perhaps reflect the way that I (always attempt to) show up in my work and life.
What I hope they don’t mask is my passion for speaking truth with conviction to my core values.
Those close to me have often chuckled when I ceremoniously unveil my virtual soapbox (always kept in my handy-dandy top pocket 😉) when I’m advocating for change.
It is possible to have a thoughtful, calm and considered rant. It is vital when we are making change happen.
Sometimes it’s difficult to reconcile that for over 25 years I’ve been advocating for - the fairly simple idea of - workplaces that are centred on the humans within.
Respect. Meaning. Trust. Integrity. Care. Empathy. Joy.
The first organisation I worked with after university had these qualities in spades. I saw what was possible when those at all levels truly understand that people are at the heart of business, and that keeping them there is good for business.
Over the years, whilst fortunate to have had this experience, I’ve not seen it nearly enough. Out comes the ‘soapbox’.
For myself, and those whose ideals I share, these are often words spoken into the wind.
Of course, there has been change. There always is. But it is nowhere near enough. And, some change has been toward a less human outcome.
The human-focused organisations I have had - and continue to have - the joy of working with aren’t perfect. No person, or organisation, is perfect. Nor are we seeking perfect.
We are seeking human, with all of what goes with that term.
So, when I open my news feed to yet another story of un-human organisational behaviour, toxic workplace cultures, leaders and teams who say one thing and do another, the abject failure of systems and safeguards, and practices that make for great marketing material yet don’t represent reality, I am once-again horrified.
Yes, these stories are complex, nuanced and are not understood - nor solved - by a quick fix. In my experience, much of it stems from the small and large de-humanising aspects of work and our workplaces.
I’ve written about the de-humanising aspects of work before here.
I’ll say it again.
We need change.
We need to re-humanise our workplaces.
Along with my desire to shout it from the rooftops (in this thoughtful rant), I remain ever curious and hopeful.
I ask:
What shall we do with the lessons we (could have, should have, must) learn from the de-humanised stories of work?
How do we continue to unite the voices of those seeking change and stop speaking into the wind?
What needs to happen to turn the platitudes and “corporate speak” into real action?
How do we continue to nudge, shift and disrupt the systems away from the status quo?
Change is possible, when we choose change. When we say: enough is enough. When we decide that we don’t want to be part of, or read about, workplace behaviours like these.
Even within the most toxic of cultures, I have worked with teams who are able to perform with integrity, care and determination. I have worked with leaders who have the courage and conviction to speak up. I have worked with professionals who have found a way to be true to their values despite a system that demands different.
Change is possible.
It really is time to choose change.