Beth Kaplan emphasizes the importance of true belonging in the workplace, which allows individuals to show up authentically without fear of rejection or exclusion. Fitting in, Kaplan argues, compromises one's core self and is not equivalent to belonging. She insists that managers must foster environments that empower employees to thrive by accepting themselves as they are, rather than molding themselves to be accepted. This perspective is drawn from her extensive research and insights in her book, Braving the Workplace: Belonging at the Breaking Point.
Belonging is the innate desire to be part of something larger than ourselves without sacrificing who we are. It's not just about being included; it's about knowing you can show up as yourself without fear of rejection or exclusion.
For years, we've been conditioned to believe that fitting in is the same as belonging. But fitting in is the opposite of belonging because if all you're doing is adapting, molding, and minimizing yourself to be accepted, you are sacrificing your core self.
True belonging requires no self-sacrifice. It doesn't demand that you compromise who you are to stay employed, be liked, or get ahead. Instead, it means showing up as yourself, fully and authentically.
Managers need to create environments where employees thrive because they feel that they are enough, exactly as they are.
Collection
[
|
...
]