Remembering How to Be Human: Reconnecting With Our Core Abilities for Stronger Teams

By Jules McVey

In a world where technology continuously dominates our lives, have you ever paused to consider the essence of being human? According to recent studies, nearly 75% of people feel disconnected from their own humanity due to the pressures of modern life. The truth is, we often overlook our innate abilities - play, curiosity, movement, expression, connection, belonging, creativity, shared experience, awe, and presence. In this article, we’ll explore how these core capacities can build trust, alleviate stress, improve communication, and foster innovation within teams. Join us as we dive into the importance of 'remembering how to be human' and how reconnecting with these abilities can lead to healthier individuals and stronger teams in any organization.

The Importance of Core Human Capacities

At the heart of every successful team lies the ability to understand and embrace our natural human capacities. Let's explore these key abilities in more detail:

Play

Play is not just for children; it is a fundamental human activity that allows us to experiment, explore, and learn how to interact meaningfully with others. Engaging in playful activities can ease stress and foster creativity among team members, leading to innovative solutions. A playful atmosphere encourages risk-taking and can even reduce fear of judgment among colleagues.

Curiosity

Curiosity drives our desire to learn and discover; it fuels innovation and problem-solving. When team members embrace curiosity, they ask questions and seek to understand different perspectives, leading to deeper insights and stronger collaboration. Organizations that encourage a culture of curiosity often see increased creativity and employee engagement.

Movement

Movement is vital for our physical and mental health. Scientific research supports that regular physical activity can improve cognitive function, boost creativity, and enhance mood. Encouraging movement within the workplace can facilitate a more engaged and energized work environment. This can range from implementing standing desks to offering team-building activities that promote physical activity such as corporate sports tournaments or wellness challenges.

Expression

Expressing thoughts and feelings in a healthy manner nurtures emotional intelligence and helps establish stronger relationships within a team. Regular check-ins, open discussions about feelings, and constructive feedback sessions can foster an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns. This transparency builds trust, a vital element for any successful team.

Connection

In an age where remote work is becoming the norm, fostering connections is more important than ever. Taking steps to create a sense of belonging among team members can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. Virtual team-building activities, networking opportunities, or even informal meetups can help cultivate a sense of community within teams.

Belonging

When team members feel they belong, they are more likely to contribute meaningfully to the group's objectives. Prioritizing diversity and inclusivity in the workplace is fundamental for cultivating a strong sense of belonging. Employers that actively promote these values witness enhanced morale and employee satisfaction.

Creativity

Creativity is the lifeblood of innovation. Encouraging creativity in the workplace frees employees from rigid structures and allows them to approach challenges from different angles. This can be achieved through brainstorming sessions, workshops, or encouraging employees to bring their unique skills and talents into projects.

Shared Experience

Shared experiences create connections and a sense of unity. Team events, whether physical or virtual, can reinforce interpersonal relationships among team members. Celebrating achievements together, participating in team outings, or enjoying a casual gathering fosters an environment that promotes bonding and collaboration.

Awe

Experiencing awe can inspire motivation and a sense of purpose. It can communicate the grandeur of collective aspirations and help team members see beyond their tasks. Organizing inspirational speakers, attending industry conferences, or exploring nature together can rejuvenate the work spirit and drive creativity.

Presence

Lastly, presence is about being mindful in interactions and appreciative of the moments we share. It encourages active listening and authentic communication. Mindfulness practices - whether through group meditation or workshops - can enhance focus and create a more productive environment for teams.

The Suppressors of Human Abilities

Despite these fundamental human abilities, many modern life challenges suppress them:

Screens

Numerous studies indicate that excessive screen time can lead to a decrease in face-to-face interactions and hinder genuine connections. Excessive time spent on devices can numb emotional responses and dull our inquisitive nature. To combat this, organizations should promote ‘screen-free’ times where team members can connect without distractions.

Isolation

As workplaces shift toward remote models, isolation is a growing concern. It's essential for teams to cultivate a culture where reaching out and connecting with one another is normalized. Regular communication, virtual gatherings, and encouraging teamwork can help mitigate feelings of loneliness.

Burnout

The fast-paced demands of modern work life can lead to burnout. Employees need to take breaks and engage in restorative practices regularly. Implementing wellness initiatives or encouraging time off without guilt can significantly impact employee health and productivity.

Hyper-Productivity

In our quest for higher efficiency, we often overlook our well-being. Rigid expectations can stifle creativity and collaboration. Companies need to recognize the importance of work-life balance and flexibility in fostering a culture where employees can thrive.

Fear of Judgment

Fear of judgment stifles expression and creativity within teams. When team members feel exposed or threatened, they may hesitate to share valuable ideas. Building a psychological safe environment, where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities, allows employees to express their thoughts freely.

Rigid Roles

Teams can become stagnant when roles are strictly defined. By allowing employees to take on varied responsibilities, organizations can nurture their potential and promote innovation. Encouraging cross-functional collaboration can lead to surprising solutions and strengthen relationships.

Emotional Suppression

Suppressing emotions can lead to poor communication and team dynamics. Organizations must encourage emotional intelligence, enabling employees to express themselves healthily. Creating spaces for dialogue and feedback and offering training on emotional management can significantly enhance workplace relationships.

How to Foster a Culture that Embraces Core Human Capacities

Organizations that want to thrive in this modern landscape must embrace a culture that values humanity over productivity. Here are actionable steps to promote a healthy, vibrant work environment:

Step 1: Create a Playful Environment

Incorporating fun into the workplace cultivates a spirit of creativity and camaraderie. Organize team-building events, game days, or creativity workshops. Find opportunities for laughter and engagement to lower stress levels and encourage positive associations with the workplace.

Step 2: Cultivate Curiosity

Offer learning opportunities through workshops, online courses, or guest lectures, encouraging employees to explore different interests. Foster an environment where questioning and exploration is celebrated and encouraged.

Step 3: Prioritize Movement

Encourage physical activity by implementing movement-related initiatives, whether it’s providing gym memberships, hosting fitness classes, or taking walking meetings. The more active your employees, the more energized and engaged they will be.

Step 4: Facilitate Emotional Expression

Create an open dialogue within teams, encourage feedback, and practice empathy in communication. Hold frequent team check-ins, promote mental health resources, and prioritize staff wellbeing.

Step 5: Promote Connection

Host regular social events, whether virtual or in-person. Use ice breakers and team-building activities to help team members connect with one another. Foster a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and important.

Step 6: Champion Diversity and Inclusivity

Actively promote diverse voices and perspectives in the workplace. Offer training on diversity and inclusion, and assign diversity champions or committees within the organization to ensure continuous progress.

The Bottom Line

In a fast-paced world, remembering how to be human is not just a lofty ideal; it is a necessity for workplace wellness and organizational success. By embracing the core human abilities of play, curiosity, movement, expression, connection, belonging, creativity, shared experience, awe, and presence, teams can build trust, reduce stress, and promote psychological safety. This movement towards re-engaging our humanity not only benefits individuals but sets the foundation for a healthier and more productive organizational culture.

As we move towards creating environments that foster our core human capacities, we should hold onto the reminder that the key to thriving teams is a culture allowing all individuals to feel valued, express themselves freely, and embrace their creativity.

So what changes can you make at your organization to embrace these human abilities? Are you ready to take action? Book a private event with us at Wicked Rae's to cultivate an experience that reconnects with the very essence of teamwork and creativity! Remember, transformative journeys start with the choice to engage with our humanity.