Developing Authentic Community Culture: Takes Real Communication, Empathy, and Time
Clare Belmont
Mindset Coach ? Business and Personal Development ?? Accountability?? Entrepreneurs & Pro's - Focus on #1?
I’ve lived and breathed it. Corporate, Charity, Spiritual circles – it matters not. What really matters – is the people.
We are social creatures with a yearning to belong. We are a level (several levels – we’ll get to that) of consciousness that must operate together.
As a seasoned mindset coach and retreat & workshop facilitator, I've seen first hand the transformative power of authentic communication, empathy, and strategic time management in creating a thriving team culture.
These elements are not just buzzwords; they are foundational pillars that support the productivity, focus, and wellbeing of any team or community. In today's volatile environment, where distraction and procrastination are rampant, nurturing these qualities within a team is more critical than ever. We, as leaders, have a duty to step up and get real – we are not ticking corporate machine boxes any more – we are here to create something excellent that makes a difference.
The Role of Authentic Communication
Authentic communication is the foundation of any successful team, partnership, community. It goes beyond mere exchanges of information; it's about building trust, encouraging openness, and transparency. When people feel safe to express their thoughts and feelings without fear of blame, shame or judgment, it cultivates a culture of trust and mutual respect. This psychological safety is crucial for collaboration and innovation.
These last few weeks I’ve been intesively coaching an executive team, exploring the 7 Cs of communication: clear, concise, concrete, correct, coherent, complete, and courteous. These principles help teams navigate complex conversations and ensure that messages are understood as intended.
Group Circle sharing discussions (though often more of a square zoom screen, but I always open with the same intention setting) are a cornerstone of our sessions, as is the case with any workshops and retreats I facilitate. By sitting together in a circle, we remove hierarchical barriers and promote equality, it’s been happening around a fire since forever.
Each participant has an opportunity to speak and be heard, fostering a sense of community and collective purpose, taking ‘Me’ to ‘We’. This format also encourages the real open communication and helps identify and address any underlying issues within the team.
Embracing Empathy
Empathy is not an easy one to master, especially in the professional environment – but it is another crucial component of a healthy team culture. It involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others, which enhances interpersonal relationships and creates a supportive work environment.
The natural empath may feel everything, and find it difficult to regulate their emotion, and others may find it almost impossible to show or 'feel' too much, due to our social and professional conditioning.
Empathy in leadership means recognising the challenges your team faces and showing genuine concern for their wellbeing.
This is where I felt the corporate world dropped the ball.
This is where the old ways of ‘doing business’ falls away – and a higher level evolves.
During my retreats and workshops, we incorporate activities designed to enhance empathy among team members. We join in circle. A somatic movement session allows participants connect with their own bodies and emotions, which is the best place to start (within ourselves) the journey of greater self-awareness and empathy towards others. By experiencing physical and emotional release, team members can better understand and support each other’s challenges.
Empathy is a muscle to be exercised. An Empath may feel ‘too much’, others may feel ‘nothing’, and so we must learn to recognise where we are at with it, get fully self aware, and in doing so can shift and regulate accordingly.
Empathy and Relating:
In this weeks workshops, I really emphasise the role of emotional intelligence in leadership. Leaders learn to read non-verbal cues, listen actively, and respond with empathy. This approach not only improves team dynamics but also boosts motivation and engagement.
Strategic Time Management
We hear it all the time and corporate loves to tick the boxes, but effective time management really is essential for maintaining focus and productivity.
Not guessing, short-cutting or rushing.
It's about prioritising tasks, setting realistic goals, and minimising distractions and procrastination.
Savvy time management and real productivity is not just about squeezing more work into the day; it’s also about ensuring there is adequate time for rest and reflection – that level of self care is critical.
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I use techniques such as time blocking and smart scheduling to help entrepreneurs, executives and teams manage their workload efficiently. We also stress the importance of regular breaks and downtime. Research shows that taking breaks can significantly enhance productivity and creativity. Therefore, we encourage teams to integrate downtime into their schedules deliberately, and as a non negotiable.
Time Tracking & Review: Can feel like a chore but it’s ridiculously beneficial. When busy people learn to track their time and review their schedules to identify patterns and areas for improvement – they make rapid changes and the results show it. By understanding how they spend their time, they can make more informed decisions about how to allocate their resources effectively. They also set strong boundaries on the ‘time bandits’.
Goal Setting & Deadlines: Setting clear, achievable goals is a key part of our program. Whilst my legacy way is working with teams on how to set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound), its really also important that we get very very clear alignment with our heart & soul values and vision. We must be emotionally invested in our goals. If we can’t feel it, we can’t manifest it.
I am into establishing realistic deadlines that keep us on track without causing unnecessary stress.
Overcoming Distraction and Procrastination
Distraction and procrastination are common challenges that can derail even the best-laid plans. Every single person I know, professionally and personally, experiences it – we are human.
There is no cure, and no-one is coming to the rescue.
But - we can self regulate and manage it ourselves - IF we are dedicated to the intention, and compassionate and patient (with ourselves firstly).
I love to explore the underlying causes of procrastination, such as fear of failure or perfectionism, and provide strategies to overcome them – because all the over thinking blocks the simplicity of making just the next step.
Prioritising and decision making is a killer for a lot of people’s creativity and progress. Using tools like the Eisenhower Matrix helps teams prioritise tasks based on their urgency and importance. By categorising tasks into four quadrants, participants can focus on what truly matters and avoid getting bogged down by less critical activities.
Accountability is another huge help for me. We need each other.
We emphasise the role of accountability in combating procrastination. By setting clear expectations and holding each other accountable, team members can stay motivated and on track. Regular check-ins and performance reviews are part of this process, ensuring that everyone remains aligned with the shared vision and goals.
Integrating the 7 Levels of Consciousness
The 7 Levels of Consciousness is a brilliant framework I love to use. This is a powerful tool for personal and business development. It provides a roadmap for evolving from basic survival needs to higher levels of service and self-actualisation.
Each level represents a distinct focus and set of values that influence behaviour and decision-making.
Awareness of these levels really helps individuals and teams to understand where they currently focus their energy and how they can evolve to higher levels of consciousness. This holistic approach not only enhances individual growth but also drives organisational innovation and resilience.
The Long-Term Impact
The benefits of this work extend far beyond the program days spent together. Participants leave with practical tools and strategies for life - that they can implement in their daily work and home life.
I see people gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their colleagues, friends and families. This not only enhances individual and team performance but also contributes to the overall success and sustainability of the whole community.
By committing to these principles, it feels totally possible to navigate the challenges of distraction and procrastination, stay focused on their goals, and create a positive, productive work environment. As a mindset coach, I am passionate about helping teams unlock their full potential and achieve lasting success through these transformative practices.
I work with teams and groups, in addition to my 1:1 work. Find me at clarebelmont.net
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