In an increasingly complex and changing world how can we leverage human psychology to develop more successful organisations? Do we need a workplace psychologist on staff? In this episode we welcome Agile Coach Jessica Katz to talk about the role of coaching and the role of psychology in the modern workplace.
Summary
- There is a movement towards encouraging individuals to be fully present at work - bringing all of themselves to work.
- We want to embrace diversity and free thought to get creativity into our operations. To get to that, you have to dig out the things that are holding people back.
- We only see the tip of the iceberg of people’s experiences at work.
- We typically had a view of extracting value from people where now there is more of a regenerative model – providing them with the support they need to flourish.
- We need to spend time building our understanding of people, their thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours.
- A single person is a complex system already - when you add in others and that adds additional complexity.
- The T.E.A model is a good model to understand behaviour. It stands for thoughts, emotions, actions. We are reacting as a result of our thoughts triggered by what happens externally.
- We all have different beliefs. The way to bridge gaps is curiosity – wanting to understand the thinking of a person instead of responding to their actions.
- The SCARF model can be useful to understand, learn and build better relationships.
- Our mindsets and beliefs shape our identity, so this is why we find it difficult to be challenged on our underlying beliefs.
- One tool to use is powerful questions – using open questions rather than questions that start with what or why.
- Modern leaders need to have better coaching and listening skills over and above the tradition skills they may hold dearly. They can be supported by onsite psychologists.
- Psychology is healing trauma. Coaching is about forward motion. A coach and manager are not psychologists but can learn some aspects of psychology to help them to improve their skillset.
- We need to address the issues that are coming up because of VUCA. One in five people are impacted by depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Resilience is about future proofing – this is where the workplace psychologist comes into play. We need to learn our own patterns and how we perform under stress.
- We have to move the hearts of leaders. It takes shifting the mindset of leaders because those below emulate their behaviours.
- You can teach behaviours through learning, but it can often take an uncomfortable moment to make a mindset shift.
Certification:
Project Management Institute (PMI)® accredited webinar: This webinar offers 1 leadership Professional Development Unit (PDU) to put towards your chosen certification. Use the PDU Claim Code: 4102VO1PG2
Subscribe to The Better Work Project wherever you listen to your podcasts to ensure you never miss a new one. The Better Work Project explores the future of work and the practices, methods, techniques, tools and systems that will drive that future. Keep up-to-date so you can make proactive career decisions for yourself and strategy decisions for your organisation. You can explore past episodes here.