Illuminating issues in the workplace

To cast light on a subject implies to provide clarity, insight or more detailed and accurate information about a topic or situation. In theory we all understand this to be a benefit, the only way to make things clear and to grow from ignorance into wisdom and sound judgment.

In practice, both in our business and our personal lives, many of us find the harsh truths shown up by the light rather painful to accept, as well as difficult to process and manage. Nowhere is this more obvious than where businesses fail to gather or perhaps thoroughly evaluate and consider, honest feedback from clients and customers.

Our clients and customers can and should be our biggest teachers, more so even that our colleagues and staff, who are the next highest priority on our "shedding light" list. Even when it seems like a client is just "full of it," there might be valuable lessons to learn about our product or service, or other strategic insights to be gained from making a sincere attempt to understand a complaint or issue deeply.

Through many years of customer service I have come to appreciate that those who complain are often, metaphorically speaking ,the canary in the coal mine. Although they may sometimes present with an aggressive manner, they are often sensitive and thoughtful people and for every person complaining to you or your business directly, you can be sure there are several others who didn't tell you what they didn't like, but they are telling their friends and acquaintances. Left unchecked, this can do tremendous damage to your brand.

My message today is, don't allow yourself to be that person who is afraid of the shadows cast when the light shines brightly.

And yes, I know that this is not a simple thing I am asking of you.

Some of us grew up with intensely critical parents or experienced a trauma around criticism and blame, and for these people, keeping things unruffled seems the safest and best state to be in. Sweep any dramas or problems under the carpet, gloss over any issues and keep doing what you have always done. Safety lies in consistency.

But no. Because these things have a way of festering when left unmanaged. Your client base dwindles and new uptake is poor. Your relationship starts to feel routine and superficial, like the spark has gone out. Your dreams fade under the weight of keeping on doing the same things and burying your frustration or disappointment.

For many people, the workplace takes up most of the waking hours of our life, and of the those hours outside work, many of those are also spent thinking and talking about work-related issues. This means that illuminating issues in the workplace is one of the best investments in the wellbeing of the employees of a business as well as its customers and clients.

Especially with the ever-increasing capabilities of AI, our essential humanness, our ability to feel and navigate complex emotions and states is going to become one of the most important skills for the future. Facing the shadow is a big part of this.

A beautiful poem illuminates emotion. A masterful painting illuminates beauty or tragedy. An exquisite piece of music stirs us and illuminates something almost indefinable within. And always it is only the masters of these arts who reach and pierce us most deeply.

Try developing mastery around illuminating something in your own life which feels deeply important to you. One of the most valuable areas in which you can do this is in the workplace, because it will have far-reaching effect in your own life and those staff, colleagues and clients who are positively affected by your courage.

There's no single blueprint for success in this delicate task, because we are all unique individuals. However, using our uniqueness to guide us is the straightest line to lighting up our own inner worlds, sparking our joy, and catalyzing holistic success.

Life is dynamic, vibrant, full of both color and darkness, light and shadow. We need to learn to feel comfortable with the shadows, starting with those hidden inside our own hearts and minds.

Our unspoken dreams need to be illuminated. Our fears need to come to light to be set free. And the product of this openness to the light is better communication and better relationships with everyone in your circle - which has an incredible positive knock-on effect in your work and business life as well.

Don't get stuck hiding in the dark. Welcome the light, which makes everything grow.