At a recent conference, Roffey Park Institute's director of research, Jo Hennessey, spoke of enlightenment. While Roffey Park may in more traditional circles be regarded as a bit 'alternative', this wasn't the kind of enlightenment that involves the lotus position, incense or getting up at an ungodly hour to see the sun come up. Although they probably wouldn't rule out any of the above.
Hennessey was referring, instead, to workplace enlightenment, which she defines as "An intense moment of clarity revealing your place in the world, often with transformational effects for individuals and their organisations". Enlightenment can be triggered by a difficult time or a personal challenge, exposure to learning and development, or by someone having the space and freedom to experiment.
Is enlightenment a 'nice to have' or a 'must have', particularly with a recession looming? While the benefits to the individual are evident (including, according to a Roffey Park survey, increased confidence, new perspectives, a greater sense of purpose and a resolve to take action), what impact will it have for their employer? The more cynical among us will point out that the enlightened individual is likely to up sticks and head off to new pastures, but there are three key benefits to the organisation.
First, enlightened individuals lead to more effective teams, with employees keen to take the lead and to push colleagues towards improved performance. Secondly, the enlightened individual is more likely to introduce change and better practice, on the back of the final benefit, their own improved performance.
But how does this translate to the bottom line? Is enlightenment a genuine opportunity for businesses and individuals, or just another trend designed to part employers from their hard-earned cash? And, if it really is worth encouraging, how should HR directors pitch the idea to their cynical, world-weary boards?
Comments (2)
Posted by Craig Jones | November 12, 2008 8:31 AM
Creating a space for ‘enlightenment’ might not seem to be the alligator closest to the canoe for some HR directors, but perhaps it's a post credit-crunch investment of time and resources which will yield a dividend. In the year ahead many firms will need to go a long way beyond throwing some oil in their machinery and kicking the tyres – only the boldest innovators will survive the inevitable recession in poll position for future growth.
Ringing telephones, queues around your desk and the irresistible draw of email all move our horizons inwards.... but however big the alligator's teeth we still need to steal ourselves into creative space once in a while.
Posted on November 12, 2008 08:31
Posted by Dr Laurel Edwards | November 13, 2008 4:07 PM
A sudden change in your understanding of the world and your place within it may be disconcerting for others, but on balance, must be a good thing. Such ‘enlightenment’ at work can help individuals realise their strengths and potential, and consequently their aspirations and drive to achieve their ambitions. Individuals who feel they are on track, are happier and more positive (Rogers’ Humanistic theory). We now have substantial evidence showing that happier employees perform better at work in a variety of ways: from greater engagement and creativity, less sickness, to increased supportiveness. These attributes greatly benefit them and their organisations.
Posted on November 13, 2008 16:07