The 6 Components of Belonging at Work with Surabhi Lal, PhD.
I was sitting in stadium seating, surrounded by folks with impressive work experience in consulting and accounting firms and beyond. I spent the first chapter of my career working in grocery retail. I was pursuing my MBA at Michigan State University. Do I belong?
I sat in a room full of folks talking about their alma mater together. The NYU's, Duke's and Vanderbilt’s of the world. I came in sideways into that job - through a part of the organization no one really knew much about, from an MBA program that no one else came from. Do I belong?
I was in a meeting where everyone was speaking a language I did not. My ears and eyes wide open trying to capture everything I could as I navigated a new industry (media) altogether, with a particular niche (Hispanic consumers). Do I belong?
I sat next to dozens of speakers who pound the pavement every day to drum up the next opportunity. One of them just landed an amazing international gig. Do I belong?
Alongside this question, I wondered am I good enough? Does it matter that I’m here? Will I ever MAKE IT?
I know I’m not the only one with these kinds of experiences when you walk into the room that you were invited to, but feel like you’re the outsider looking in. Those times when you want to feel valued and connected with other people, but somehow you feel like you don't belong. What IS belonging anyway? And how do we create and foster workplace environments where even with the differences present, everyone feels like they belong there?
Enter: Surabhi Lal, PhD. , my friend and leading expert on belonging in the workplace. I wanted to talk to her about this because I’ve had to navigate the journey of belonging to myself while understanding places and spaces that were not a fit.
In the course of Surabhi’s studies, she conducted an incredible qualitative study to identify the factors that create environments where employees feel like they belong, with organizations that are actually doing it well. I was all ears for this conversation.
This episode on The Unlock Lab podcast isn't just for folks who lead teams, this information is for everyone. And it’s an important reminder that EVERY SINGLE PERSON in an organization including you, can take action TODAY to create spaces where no one has to question if they are supposed to be there.
Tune in for the stories, the framework, the practical advice, and the affirmation that we ALL need right now to know that we as individuals have the power to make the difference.
Unlock Offerings
Coaching: If you’re ready to see what else is possible for your life and completely change your trajectory, I would be honored to be of support. Hit reply to get the conversation going, or schedule an exploratory call here.
Speaking & Facilitating: If you have an audience or a team that would benefit from addressing their self doubt and receive new tools for shifting old patterns, I customize my content for the experience to last well beyond the gathering itself. Hit reply or schedule a call here.
Keep shining,
Tosca DiMatteo
