So I have a confession —no new ideas…nothing new… as I have been in a much more reflective space where I have been valuing other people’s voices rather than my own. Shock! I hear you cry- but I have been writing a research paper recently and suddenly a lot of things are making much more sense than before. When I first started thinking about why I decided to go part freelance last year, I realised that some of it was about needing to have a wider voice. I really related to Perry Timms Article when I read it recently about commitment to specialisms rather than job titles #belonging. I’ve heard — and used — this word a few… | by Perry Timms | Jul, 2020, and being connected to a purpose.
Then I reflected and thought that in order to give more…I really needed to listen more and build trust through that connection.
So this essentially became the subject of a research paper I compiled with Garry Turner and Mike Vacanti – some really really amazing connections who write some amazing stuff (look them up – tip one). It has been a wild journey where I sometimes (being honest) felt challenged by other people’s perceptions. I read ‘The Memo’ by Minda Harts and it took a lot of courage to lean into that discussion and understand that perspective on diversity and inclusion and I am so glad I did (tip two- read it).
So I’ve talked to and read some work by some really amazing people and thought finally ‘I get it’. What if voices within organisations were better heard? Would all these wonderfully talented people who go it alone, have done so if their organisations had listened more? You know..having leaders who demonstrate that ‘vulnerability’ in their decision making (useful stuff that Mike Vacanti talks about) or being treated as human beings rather than doings that we have learnt from the works of Mark LeBusque. I wonder if some of this writing came from their own sources of frustration when they were part of the organisation machine. I quote these powerful lyrics and liken it to our need for expression:
‘Gotta have some faith in the sound
It’s the one good thing that I’ve got
~George Michael, Freedom ’90
Experience often drives our purpose and as some of you will see in my recent interviews I am really interested in the compassionate and active listening skills that Dr. Amy Bradley talked to me about in our interview https://hresque.co.uk/interviews and how belonging and connectedness strengthened her commitment to her organisation because her voice was being heard. Finally, I had the most amazing conversation with Nilofer Merchant who really helped me understand how language and inclusivity play a role and how many voices aren’t heard (tip three- Nilofer Merchant’s @work project is amazing and so generous in sharing ideas subscribe). What is needed is a push for that real call to action to change that.
So the research I did was not new but was essentially a ‘mash-up’ of all of this wonderful work but how I feel I can contribute is to bring all this meaningful stuff together and ensure it is not wasted.
So the key learning for me? …. I want to hear the voices in my organisation that are not heard – I figure they may be actually more interesting and insightful. They may bring a new perspective; a new idea or a way forward that I had not thought of. That is the challenge I bring to you today.
Want to add to my ‘mash-up’ – ( tip four : have a look on my website https://hresque.co.uk to see how you can contribute as I believe it takes collaborativeness, kindness, and belonging to make our organisations better.
Thank you reflective listening has been really important and many lessons and mistakes along the way and more to come. Thank you for taking the time to read and love the de Vinci quote!
Nobody is born learned, so it is good to treasure every experience. Also of the experience of others.
It is impossible to govern well, to be together in society as in a family, without knowing how to listen. Leonardo Da Vinci said: “Knowing how to listen means possessing, in addition to your own, the brains of others”. You need etiquette and humility. And therefore to multiply energy, dreams, ambitions, ideas.
Thank you Kimberley your comments are really appreciated
Michelle, this is terrific! I’m excited about the work you’re doing and reminded of how powerful it can be when we get out of our own heads and start talking to others about their experience.
Thank you Kimberley your comments are really appreciated