A Humanly Approach to Transforming Service

Within the realm of human services, there's an increasing acknowledgment of the necessity to create room for reflection and evolution in organisational development. At the heart of this transformation lies the essence of service—how organisations within the human services sector can authentically align their actions with their mission to better serve their communities.

Here at Humanly we have three principles that guide our work:

1.?????? Authenticity: Embracing authenticity at an individual level is foundational. It's about being true to oneself because it's believed that when individuals are authentic, they bring their best selves to their work. This authenticity fosters trust and connection, essential elements in any endeavour to be of service.

2.?????? Reciprocity: Relationships thrive on reciprocity—giving and receiving, the balance of leading and following. It's about recognising that each person brings unique gifts to the relationship, creating an equitable space where these gifts are valued and shared. In fostering reciprocity, organisations cultivate a culture of collaboration and mutual support.

3.?????? Connectivity: Human beings are inherently social creatures, and connectivity is vital for our wellbeing. By fostering connections among individuals, organisations can create vibrant communities where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Authenticity and reciprocity naturally lead to connectivity, forming the backbone of strong, resilient communities.

At the core of this, our Humanly Approach utilises the analogy of train tracks—two interconnected aspects: the "why" (the purpose) and the "how" (the process). Just as a train needs both tracks to stay on course, organisations need a clear understanding of both the purpose and process of change to avoid derailment in their service transformation journey.

This approach emphasises the importance of aligning philosophical statements, such as vision, mission, and values, with organisational practices. It involves supporting organisations in understanding whether their declared statements align with their actions in the way they are being of service.

In human services, where the focus is on supporting humans, building respectful relationships is paramount. Self-awareness is key in this journey of transformation. Organisations don't change; individuals do. It's about embarking on a personal journey of growth and self-discovery to better serve others. This transition requires sophistication—a shift from a rules-based approach to a principles-based approach, recognising the uniqueness of each person and their right to a self-defined good life.

The shift towards a principles-based approach involves redefining what it means to enable good lives for everyone. It's about creating inclusive communities where everyone belongs and is valued for their unique contributions.

Ultimately, transforming service requires a collective effort to reframe the narrative around what it means to serve others. It's about creating a culture of empathy, collaboration, and continuous learning, where everyone—persons, their significant others, our workforce, and communities—can thrive.

As we embark on this journey of transformation, it's essential to reflect on what our own good lives look like. By aligning our personal values with our professional practices, we can create organisations that truly embody the spirit of service, enriching the lives of all those we encounter. It begins with you as an individual.

So, what does a good life look like for you?