No matter what group we are connected to, each of us wants to feel like we belong — in our family, with our friends, our colleagues at work, or in other groups we associate with.

A sense of belonging is defined as a safe place where you feel accepted and included by others for who you are. You belong to something bigger and better than yourself.

A sense of belonging is a strong human need. Without this need we would live solitary lives and our feelings of being “an outsider” or “different” would not have the value we now feel.  During the pandemic lockdown we saw this need come to the fore.  People were frustrated, or even angry, when they couldn’t get together in person, all because this need wasn’t being met.

We have seen this need for belonging as a catalyst for youth joining gangs or religious groups who can radicalize their beliefs. When asked why they joined, it frequently is because they felt welcome and “like family”.  We also hear from those who attempt suicide that they feel lonely, alone, or they don’t belong.

In the workplace (or any group you lead), it is important for us, as leaders, to build a strong sense of belonging. It is not something you can just leave to the individuals in the group. It also something that creates a sense of value for each employee.  In fact, research has shown that Gen Z’s have a higher need for appreciation and recognition for the value they bring, along with their uniqueness.  Failing to fill this need, leaves them feeling insecure, uninspired and more likely to look for a new job.

Research by the organization “Great Place to Work” reveals that when employees experience belonging in the workplace they are:

• 3 times more likely to feel people look forward to coming to work
• 3 times more likely to say their workplace is fun
• 9 times more likely to believe people are treated fairly regardless of their race
• 5 times more likely to want to stay at their company a long time.

On a business side, their research also found that inclusive organizations grow revenue more than three times faster than their less-inclusive rivals. That should be a great incentive in and of itself.

So, how do you build a sense of inclusion and belonging in your workplace?

1)  Treat everyone equally.  This may sound logical and somewhat simple however that is not often the case in many workplaces.  As a leader, when you value each person and what they bring to the organization regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, role in the organization etc. you set yourself up as a role model. It sets the tone to include everyone as they are. It also builds trust, respect and happiness. We are all unique and it is this diversity and inclusiveness that brings the greatest value to each group.

2) Empower employees to take initiative and to bring forward their ideas. Delegation is one great way to empower employees to use the skills they possess as fully as possible.  It demonstrates you have confidence in them. It also frees your time and energy to be able to offer positive feedback, assistance where needed and create a sense of pride. I always say that the team do the work, so their thoughts on making improvements are very valuable and can lead to some amazing savings in time and redundancy.

3)  Create a mentorship program. When employees are partnered together, it builds a connection that leads to a great sense of belonging. Mentorship between employees inspires to use existing skills, or to develop new ones, that will prepare them for career advancement or greater joy in what they do. It also offers an opportunity for employees to share their feelings of isolation or loneliness with a fellow employee so they can find a solution for it.

One great way I use regularly is what I call “Rounds”. I’ve been doing this since my days in food services when my team was located in various locations on campus. I would drop in to see each employee everyday, or at least every two days just to say hello, ask how they are doing (personally and at work), and I engaged in conversation that related to something I learned about them ie family, hobbies, follow-up about their ideas etc.  In the beginning, people were sceptical but this soon became a great way for me to connect, build a sense of belonging and trust, while engaging them. As an introvert this was a huge challenge in the beginning but I knew it was important as a leader, so I just did it!  Now, it’s my norm.

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If you are ready to increase the impact of your leadership, build skills in nurturing team members, or explore ways to boost business and worker success at the same time, book a call with Catherine to explore how she can support your efforts.

Entrepreneurship and leadership have two key common features – 1) forging ahead into new horizons and 2) inspiring others to follow your lead. When you take the step out of your comfort zone into the new frontier, you inevitably will face your fears (those inner gremlins), go where you have not gone before, find solutions to challenges, navigate obstacles and more. All of this plus running your business so that it delivers on your promise of a high quality product/service with a positive customer experience, and business thrives.

The roller-coaster ride can be exhilarating, common-place, mundane or frustrating. There are times when new ideas, opportunities or solutions come flooding in faster than you can deal with them. Other times, the pace of play is just right.

However… there are also times when you are taking action, working hard and bam!… you are going nowhere fast! You feel like you are on a hamster wheel. You start questioning yourself. You may look to break what used to work but isn’t right now. Or, are you ready to walk away?

If you are facing these situations, you are not alone.

There are often four key areas that my clients, leaders just like you, have found challenging when a change in course is needed. These areas need to be addressed in order to shift from “stuck” to “go”. Then once you begin to move forward, you can build the momentum you truly want in your business.

Lack of Business Clarity

First, get clear on why you are in business. Then you want to be clear on your ideal clients are. What problems do your clients have, and what results can your clients achieve when they work with or buy from you? A lack clarity is can plague your efforts to grow when you are unsure of your purpose, vision and mission… or all of the above!

Uncertainty around What to Do

Are you unsure of what next steps to take? Uncertainty can lead to overwhelm or a lack of focus. As a leader, you may not have a peer within your organization to brainstorm with, bounce ideas or receive new perspectives. This is where your network or a coach can really be a difference maker. When you are able to create focus and align that with your purpose and what your client wants and needs from you… bam! the next steps will unveil themselves.

Are You Wasting Time or Resources?

Poor time management and inefficient systems are ties that may be holding you back. If you are spending so much looking for information needed in your client’s journey, or you don’t have a good handle on how you, or your team, need to spend time you can’t move forward. Effective back-end systems, and sound time management will enable you to deliver superior customer service, a positive experience and the results your clients want. It is here where adopting new ways of doing things can feel overwhelming when you don’t look at the bigger picture and identify the step-by-step implementation approach. But…oh how good it feels when everything works as planned.

Under Funding

A fourth key “wall” experienced by leaders like yourself is not having enough money to fund the business. Are you struggling to pay yourself, your team, or your suppliers? Have you been able to create a “rainy-day fund” to weather cash flow ups and downs? When you spotlight your top revenue sources & cash leaks, and build a fund to manage your cash flow you will be able to identify what actions you need to take to lead your biz from red to black.

Are You Ready to Knock your Walls down?

Do any of these “walls” sound familiar? I think every business owner and leader I have met has hit one wall or another. Those leaders that successfully find a way to knock that wall down or go around it, reap the greatest benefits from their efforts. Most reach out to mentors, coaches, boards of advisors, their team or trusted colleagues. In fact, very few if any of the most successful business leaders, can break through the wall alone.

If you a forward-thinking, purpose-driven leader, professional or business owner who is:

• feeling frustrated because your efforts are going no where,
• tired of trying to find a solution on your own,
• unsure about what next steps to take, or
• wanting to explore new ideas, create a plan, pivot, reposition or repurpose, and
• motivated to take action to create a sustainable, profitable future

the Ignite Momentum group coaching program is for you!

If you aren’t ready to end the inertia you’re experiencing so you can experience the thrill of momentum again … Ignite Momentum is NOT for you.

What is inaction costing you and your business?

You don’t have to take action alone! Register now for our January 2023 cohort!

I had such a great conversation with April Mahoney on February 22, 2022 talking about social impact organizations. We shared so many insights around social impact in for-profit and non profits in our conversation. I hope you will enjoy it.

If you are interested in the membership program I mentioned, learn more here.

The Impact Business Blueprint course is for you if you want a thriving organizations (for-profit or not-for-profit) that attracts great investors, great employees, great customers or donors, and you want to be a great business citizen and have an impact on your community and the world. Live training starts March 16, 2022, however the online self-directed program is available in mid-April. Register for the online course before April 7/22 and get a bonus 6 month membership in Activate!

Have you been feeling a bit out of sorts lately? Wondering how you can regain your focus, purpose and routine? Change has a way of pulling the rug out from under you. More so when the change comes with so many unknowns and for which you have no control.

Here are some tips for navigating our rapidly changing business world –

1. Recognize that what is happening around you is out of your control, however, you can take positive steps to be safe, be well and have a positive impact. That includes: staying home and only going out for essentials ie getting groceries; keeping a 2 m (6 ft) distance between yourself and others; and washing your hands frequently and thoroughly.
2. Ground yourself every day by reflecting on your purpose and your values. These are your north star — your non-negotiables! Grounding yourself to what is most important brings a natural calming influence.
3. Create a daily routine for yourself – personal and business. Working from home can be challenging if it is not your usual place. You may have additional distractions than normal. I use time blocking. I block off 1-2 hours for work activities then 1 hour for personal. I repeat this pattern during the day. It helps give a sense of balance, accomplishment and calm.
4. Set goals for yourself – daily, weekly and monthly. Don’t let today’s situation prevent you from looking forward. Although we have many unknowns, there will be an end and a new normal. Now is the time to prepare for that. Like anything, it may need to be tweaked or implementation delayed, but that’s easier than revving up from a dead stop. Check out our Goal Strategy Success program to guide you through our proven goal implementation process.
5. Stay connected. As a business owner, stay connected to others in your network. Communicate with your team, your clients, your suppliers. On a personal note, reach out to family and friends. We are all in this together. When you stay in touch, reconnect with people you have lost touch with, you will not feel isolated, alone or out of sync.
6. Lastly, stay visible. They always say, the time to increase your advertising is during a recession. We may not be in a true recession, but we are in a down time for normal business activities. How can you be more visible to your clients or ideal potential clients? When things return to normal, people will remember you as everyone else ramps up!

Our resilience as entrepreneurs and business owners may be challenged today, however we are more prepared for uncertainty than many others in the world. Take steps everyday to align, activate and advance your business efforts so you can ride the wave we are on, and return to leading a profitable business soon.

If you are looking to work with a mentor who can work with you to navigate the changes you are facing and to prepare for the next phase, we have programs that can assist you. Our programs include: group coaching, mastermind groups, VIP Strategic Intensives, Strategic Huddles and more!

Complete our application and book your complimentary Ignition Call and we will explore if our programs are right for you.

On September 17, 2019 I had the honour to present to the Vancouver Business Network. Here’s my presentation.

I’m on a mission to change the world through business, by changing the world. If you want to create change, be on purpose in your business, and attract loyal customers and talented team members, let’s chat.