Belonging is Universal
Belonging is universal
Do you have at least one place where you feel you belong? Belonging is a basic human need and plays a significant role in shaping how people behave, their well-being, and overall functioning. If you want to be successful youʻve gotta create a culture where people belong whether in your company, family or neighborhood.
Quick personal story… my neighborhood recently became a lab for understanding gangs and the two-sides of belonging. We experienced the fallout of belonging to the wrong kind of group, a gang of bullies. There was an incident at our park that involved a group of four youths bullying two others, which we found out was an ongoing issue. A concerned adult stepped in to redirect the interactions and she got verbal pushback that was pretty disgusting. When I found out, I was mad and immediately went to a place of judging those “bad kids.” I was ready to do battle to preserve the safety and well-being of our neighborhood! Upon reflection, I realized I was reacting rather than responding. Initially, I only saw the problem, not the solution. These youth had found a sense of belonging, but it wasn’t the kind of belonging that would serve them well. The kind of belonging these kids experience is a false sense of belonging. Their “acceptance” that leads to belonging in the group is based on rules and parameters that destroy other people. True belonging allows others to be fully who they are, which leads to growth. The real problem points to the lack of places where people can feel they belong, and where community values exist. The real solution is to cultivate relationships between these youth and caring adults in our neighborhood who can help support, guide, and invest in them. As adults, we need to own the responsibility to intentionally cultivate positive, supportive relationships with youth who live nearby.
So what does this have to do with Idaho Partners for Good? We strive to create cultures of belonging! The toxic sense of belonging that currently exists in my neighborhood also exists in our workspaces. Count yourself fortunate if your workplace has cultivated a healthy community of belonging and recognize there are people who have done a lot of work behind the scenes for you to have that experience. It takes intentionality. So, how might we cultivate this basic and universal need in the right ways so it doesn't end up being a “gang” that destroys rather than builds up? Hereʻs a few ideas to help you get started whether you lead an organization or in your neighborhood.
Be an Inclusive Leader: Leaders play a crucial role in shaping organizational culture. Inclusive leadership involves actively promoting and modeling inclusive behaviors, valuing diverse perspectives, and ensuring that all voices are heard and respected, especially those that are acting out. When leaders prioritize belonging, it sets the tone for the entire organization or community.
Don’t react like I did, initially. For me as a leader in my neighborhood, it included examining my mindset. I was ready to “do battle” when what was needed was a few deep breaths to create less emotion, become curious, and recognize that I needed to look past the problem to see possible solutions.
Psychological Safety: Creating a psychologically safe environment is crucial for fostering belonging. People need to feel comfortable before they are able to express their ideas and concerns without fear of judgment or reprisal.
It could be that these young people need a place where they can be seen and heard without judgment.
Recognition and Appreciation: Acknowledging and appreciating the contributions of all members of an organization or community, regardless of their background, helps create a sense of value and belonging.
Building a culture of belonging is essential for creating inclusive and supportive environments where individuals feel valued, accepted, and connected. While the research on this topic is continuously evolving, these tips have shown promise in fostering a culture of belonging. Should you be interested in working with us to enhance your skills to build a culture of belonging in your organization we have a team of people trained to assist. Our Thrive Together Consultants can help you create environments where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and included. Visit Thrive Together Consulting to get help.