I remember vividly a story one of my family members told me from their childhood. He was pushed to master the English language. His parents, supportive and wise, knew that learning a new language required discipline and consistency. His teacher - who had a flair for turning lessons into engaging challenges - devised a plan. Every day, the boy was given a list of new English words to learn. He had to write each word once, ensuring he memorized the spelling and meaning. However, there was a catch. If he missed even a single word, he had to write that word five times the next day. If later on he misspelled the same word, or missed the meaning, he had to write it ten times. At first, the little learner found it overwhelming. Writing words five times was manageable, but ten times felt like a Herculean task. However, with his teacher's authoritative guidance and consistent reinforcement of the rules, he began to see the value in this method. He became more attentive and diligent, realizi...
Belonging in the Workplace: Fostering a Culture Where Everyone Feels at Home In today’s fast-paced work environments, it’s easy to get caught up in deadlines, projects, and KPIs. But what truly motivates people to bring their best selves to work? More than the numbers or even recognition, it's the feeling of belonging. This deep-seated emotional need is foundational to human behavior, as noted by psychologist Alfred Adler, who believed that all humans are driven by a desire to belong and contribute to the group. Creating a sense of belonging in the workplace isn’t just a "nice-to-have" — it’s essential for the emotional well-being of employees and, in turn, the success of the organization. Employees who feel they belong are more engaged, more productive, and more likely to stay long-term. But how can managers cultivate this powerful feeling? Let’s dive into how managers can help foster a workplace culture where everyone feels they belong. Why Belonging Matters A...