Corporate Healing
Written by Tracey Hordern
We find ourselves in strange times. In a few short months, the world as we know it has changed. What we do know, is how we choose to respond to the seismic shifts is crucial. According to Vicki Townsley from Ethical Quest, “For those organisations that recognise change as opportunity, there will be a need to embrace the concept of corporate healing.”
“The volatility, uncertainty and complexity of the changes we are witnessing today means that there is the propensity for more fear in our lives as we try to adapt and grow,” explains Vicki. “And one of the more negative repercussions of fear is it can block both learning and experimentation.”
“In essence, corporate healing aspires to free people from fear so that they can adapt and thrive in a changing world,” explains Vicki. “Corporate healing as a concept is not new, nor is it radical. Psychologically, healing can apply to the whole, just as potently as it does to the individual. And like an individual in need of healing, the journey of corporate healing starts with speaking up and being heard.”
“For instance, the BBC News reported recently that we all feel lonely some of the time,” explains Vicki. “and that, a full 25 per cent of people feel lonely all the time. Who , in this virtual climate is speaking up about this?’ Because loneliness can have a social stigma attached to it, the report concluded that people hesitate to be vulnerable by sharing their emotional journey.”
Some of the greatest names in leadership have long espoused the virtues of collective healing by speaking up and taking a risk. Amy Edmondson, the Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at the Harvard Business School coined the term Psychological Safety. Amy Edmondson is also recognised for her promotion of fearless organisations that encourage inter-personal sharing as a sign of strength.
Megan Reitz is a leader on the Thinkers50 radar of global business thinkers and ranked in the HR Most Influential Thinkers Listing. As an author and speaker, Megan Reitz has also long championed the individual’s capacity to both speak up - and listen up - as proven strategies for corporate success.
“‘Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weaknesses””
Famed beyond the corporate world, no one else has promoted the healing potential of vulnerability and courage more than University of Houston research professor, Brene Brown. “As a voice of inspiration and healing, Brene Brown has been hugely influential,” explains Vicki. “Her maxim, ‘Truth and courage aren't always comfortable, but they're never weaknesses’ resonates so strongly in today’s hyper-charged and changing environment.”
“Creating a psychologically safe and healing environment is essential for any organisation to prosper”, explains Vicki. “We know that outcomes in the workplace arise from complex interactions between the individuals within an organisation. If these interactions lead to feelings of motivation, improved self-esteem and well-being, then the individual will only become more inclined to be creative and innovative.”
“Corporate healing essentially encourages the individual to flourish. And when an organisational member blossoms, so does the group, given we are all connected. I believe the recent world events has made that connectiveness abundantly clear. Or as Brene Brown would say, ‘Connection is why we're here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives’”.