In today’s workplace, adaptability and resilience have become essential attributes. In our recent panel discussion, industry experts Kerri Meyer, Head of Talent and Organizational Development at NerdWallet, and Arun Bedi, Sr. Director of Talent Management, ex-Visa, shared insights on building a company culture of adaptability, empathy and problem solving. Here’s what we learned:
I. The Power of Resilience
The contemporary workspace is inherently unpredictable. However, resilient employees are better poised to tackle unforeseen challenges. Because of its ability to essentially future-proof careers, there’s an increasing eagerness among younger employees to learn how to adapt quickly and bounce back. Experts recommend that employees incorporate regular mindfulness, stress management, and self-care practices to enhance their adaptability. This can include techniques like meditation, time management strategies, and prioritizing physical and mental well-being.
The Role of Leadership
Unlike economics, company culture trickles down.
Effective leaders set the tone by modeling resilient behavior themselves — they demonstrate adaptability in the face of adversity, maintain a positive outlook, and emphasize the importance of learning from setbacks. Good leaders communicate a clear vision and provide a sense of purpose, allowing employees to understand how their work contributes to the organization’s success. By fostering open and transparent communication, leaders create a safe space for effective feedback and growth.
Ultimately, leadership’s commitment to resilience sets the standard for the entire organization, shaping a culture where resilience is not just a buzzword but an integral part of how people approach their work.
II. Fostering Psychological Safety
Without a secure and supportive environment, people are less likely to open up and be honest. When individuals feel safe and valued, they are more inclined to share their thoughts, concerns, and feedback openly, fostering better communication and collaboration within the company.
Conversations that Matter:
Experts advise having open and constructive dialogue at the workplace. Meaningful discussions that go beyond surface-level exchanges can tap into your teams’ core issues, challenges, and aspirations. By creating a space for honest communication, teams are empowered to address concerns, offer feedback, and share ideas openly. This is a way to build trust and transparency and make teams feel heard and valued.
There are several tactical strategies to approach this:
- Encourage structured feedback sessions that allow for two-way feedback. This will encourage active listening and foster open dialogue.
- Provide training on how to give and receive feedback effectively. Encourage employees to focus on specific behaviors and their impact, rather than making it personal.
- Maintain an open-door policy where employees can approach peers and leaders to discuss concerns, share ideas, or seek guidance.
- Train employees in conflict resolution techniques that promote respectful and solution-focused discussions when conflicts arise
- Coaching and mentorship programs offer structured spaces for in-depth discussions about personal and professional development, enhancing a culture of open dialogue and mutual support.
In a culture that encourages meaningful conversation, employees are more likely to collaborate effectively, resolve conflicts, and work towards common goals.
III. Building a Coaching Culture
More than anything, building a coaching culture involves inculcating a shift of mindset. This shift is not a solitary change — it’s a multifaceted transformation that encompasses active listening, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) coaching, metrics-aligned perception adjustments, and prioritization of wellness.
It means creating an environment where the exchange of feedback and support is actively encouraged and where employees see coaching as a means to personal and professional growth. Building a culture that prioritizes coaching fosters resilience, encourages employees to embrace diversity, and empowers them to reach their full potential, ultimately leading to engaged and thriving teams.
