People and Culture

Ever noticed a toddler try to climb stairs for the 1st time on 2 feet? 

They always attempt this while holding their parent’s or guardian’s hand.

Even though they are embarking on a task which is new to them, they feel confident enough to attempt it with the support of a trusted person, someone who will protect them if need be.

We do the same as adults. A study conducted on the correlation between task and safety entailed, asking folks from a trek group to estimate how steep a hill was before the climb. Invariably, all participants who had come in groups, i.e., with friends or family, estimated the steepness of the hill to be much lesser than who were attempting the trek solo. It was concluded that those who felt safe in the company they were with, perceived tasks to be accomplishable, despite how dauting they were.

And this, is what makes soft skills vital at a workplace. No matter the amount of retention strategies, employees, tend to work longer in workplaces which make them feel safe and secure. Security here, refers to multiple aspects, such as, financial, emotional, physical, psychological etc.

A team member who is aware of the systemic support available in the organization, would rarely ever trade it off, for anything else. Soft skills enhances one’s aptitude and sensitivity towards the different types of personalities and their needs in an organization, thus equipping them to influence the culture, to be a stable, healthy and a secure one.

Employees who know, that the team has their back, has the support of their manager and has the understanding of their stakeholders, will undoubtedly give their 100% in achieving their deliverables. Some of the ways in which this safe environment can be achieved, is:

1. Encouraging open communication
2. Recognizing and appreciating diversity
3. Providing basic amenities such as insurance coverage, job security in the form of transparent KPI and review system
4. Creation of ERG (Employee Resource Groups) and mentorship programs
5. Encouraging a creative work environment

Psychological safety, specifically in a workplace, is slowly receiving its due in the corporate arena. However, we still have a long way to go. Comprehension of the functionality of the human mind and what makes it feel a 100% secure, will happen when we make the effort to understand each other, not as resources, but as, varied knowledge and experience hubs, combined with mutual respect and healthy curiosity about one another.

This leads to increased productivity, as a bi-product of a safe environment and would not need to be driven day in and day out.

To learn more about building your personality and becoming more aware, contact Mind Parkour.

Look us up at www.mindparkour.in or write to us at sushma@mindparkour.in for enquiry and your training needs.