With one of our newest designated commercial days, "Giving Tuesday", just around the corner, I found myself reflecting on a valuable lesson learned during the early months of the pandemic. Amidst juggling roles as chief home-school teacher, chef, boredom-buster, and family hair-cutter, I dedicated some lockdown time to my self-development journey, specifically diving into a team coaching certification led by the brilliant David Clutterbuck and Peter Hawkins.
In a virtual session with leadership coaches from around the globe, we delved into the intricate challenge of handling disagreement and conflict within teams. As a team coach, the burning question was: How do you navigate tension without getting caught in the crossfire?
One of the most powerful answers came in the form of a question: "What would be the most generous thing you could do with your colleague(s) right now?"
This simple yet profound question stopped me in my tracks, and I knew it would have the same effect on colleagues grappling with tension. Here's why:
- Shifting Perspectives:
- It redirects the focus from "what about me?" to "what about them?" It's a perspective shift that opens the door to mutual understanding.
- Returning to Your Best Self:
- It serves as a gentle reminder that we have the power to choose responses that are understanding, helpful, giving, and respectful—the best version of ourselves.
Imagine pressing pause in the midst of a heated disagreement and pondering, "What is the most generous thing I can do right now?" How might that single question reshape the narrative and what comes next?
Maybe it’s time for us to broaden our thinking on generosity. Generosity is not just about giving away material possessions; it's a mindset we can infuse into our work lives. As we reach into our wallets on "Giving Tuesday," let's consider what it means to be generous at work and with our colleagues.
Bringing Generosity into Teams and Workplaces:
- Pause and Reflect:
- In conflict moments, encourage team members to pause and ask themselves, "What's my most generous response?" It's a game-changer.
- Team Discussions:
- Initiate team discussions on generosity, sharing positive examples within your team. Build a culture where generosity is celebrated.
- Leadership Modeling:
- Leaders, lead by example. Model generosity by providing positive feedback, recognizing achievements, and fostering a supportive environment.
- Integrate into Team Values:
- Weave generosity into your team's purpose and values. Reinforce the importance of empathy, support, and understanding.
