This inaugural article for Paradigm Shifts will focus on a fundamental concept needed to even begin shifting paradigms and making lasting change- the skill and ability to see the truth and be authentic.
Traditional workplace culture leaves little room for authenticity. Workplace politics acts a screen through which the true nature of people and systems in the workplace can barely be seen. Being authentic involves living, working and being in accordance with your values, and this should be the same for our organizations. I'm sure many of you can identify several ways in which your current or past organization is operating (or has operated) counter to its own values. What exactly is it then that prevents us from acknowledging the truth of things?
The Undercover Workplace
Real change will continue to evade us until we are able to identify and analyze the true systems, policies, and procedures in place in many companies that drive employee behaviors. This analysis involves first making the unspoken spoken; the unseen, seen. It involves embracing the truest definitions of truth and authenticity- even when what's discovered isn't "nice" or politically correct. Being able to sidestep politics for the sake of discovery is necessary - but let's be realistic: how many people do you know at work who will risk the inevitable backlash that comes with such bold moves?
A better question to ask in this case is- what systems are at play that punish those who speak against the status quo, and why do we uphold these systems?
The undercover workplace is layered and all-powerful, effortlessly controlling the behavior of people across all levels in an organization. Instead of environments driven by the wholesome mission statements and values posted on the board room wall, many workplaces are riddled with gaslighting, manipulation, trauma bonding, and various other forms of social and psychological abuses. Interestingly, many of us are aware of these systems of abuse, but rarely, if ever, do anything about it (often times due to fear; other times due to ignorance of the systems at play). We become both perpetrators and participants in the very systems we say need changing. This is the familiar "game" being played in organizations across the world.
While many people are playing for a leg up in a system that they feel is unbeatable, they are knowingly or unknowingly perpetuating the systemic abuse we've come to accept as the norm. So then, these systems don't change, but rather shift within narrow limits that still allow for competition and "playing the game", while instituting those marginal wins we often see as part of organizational change initiatives. People can't completely let go of what we have come to know (fear of the unknown), and so, nothing really changes, and the system - self-sustaining at this point- continues with no real end in sight.
What To Do? Practical Steps
So, what are some first steps you and your organization can take to become more authentic and truthful in your approaches to building psychologically and socially healthy workplaces? Here are a few simple ways you and your teams can take action today:
Acknowledge your "undercover workplace". Each organization has one, even if you don't notice any overtly negative behaviors. Try to identify some common practices, attitudes, or behaviors that may affect you and/or others negatively.
Self-reflection: Shifting our workplaces will require a level of empathy and compassion that doesn't support the current "every man for himself" way of working. Understand your role in the systems that keep up potentially harmful behaviors. What is your attitude or belief toward these behaviors (for example, do you think it's justified to ostracize or bully someone who is different)?
Don't be afraid to have discussions with your colleagues about what you discover. Chances are, they may have the same observations and can offer different perspectives that may help you. This also helps to build a solid case for change by gaining group support, which is a powerful force in workplace environments.
These three simple steps can make a huge impact on improving the health of our workplace environments, and they cost nothing. Simple perspective shifts can mean the difference between authentically working according to stated company values and allowing undercover workplace systems of fear and manipulation to drain the creativity and life out of your employees.
Questions to Consider:
What will you do differently to influence and encourage truth and authenticity in your workplace?
How will you confront and tackle your undercover workplace?
Hi! I'm Nicole, an organizational consultant and personal coach, who is passionate about inspiring the changes our society needs for all to thrive. Using lessons learned from my own experiences and challenges, I hope to help people within organizations by creating mentally, socially, and emotionally healthy workplaces for all. Check out the other resources on this site for more ways to do just that!
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