Seven Ways To Foster A Core Human Need: Belonging

We felt hugely inspired recently catching up with our coach training alumni both in person and online recently - and a sense of belonging was a recurring theme our participants shared with us.

People shared how they felt lost, disconnected and weren't sure where they were heading. They also shared they felt they didn't have the connections they sought - particularly for many expats - but also for non expats too... until they decided to join a coach training programme that supported them to deep work for themselves with the support of others.

Belonging and connecting to ourselves is a fundamental human need that is essential for our well-being and happiness. Belonging is the feeling of being accepted, valued, and connected to a group, community, or place.

It provides us with a sense of identity and purpose, and allows us to feel connected to and understood by those around us. When we feel like we belong, we are more likely to feel confident, motivated, and fulfilled in our lives.

When we lack a sense of belonging, we may feel isolated, disconnected, and even depressed.

So it's important to foster a sense of belonging in our lives by building strong relationships, finding common interests and values with others, and actively participating in communities that align with our purpose, values, dreams and aspirations.

Fostering a sense of belonging can be challenging, but there are several ways to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel accepted, valued, and connected.

Here are seven ways that can help foster a sense of belonging:

1. Create a welcoming environment. This means being approachable, friendly, and inclusive to everyone. Greet people warmly, introduce yourself, and make an effort to connect with them.
2. Encourage open communication. Encouraging open communication is crucial for fostering a sense of belonging. This means creating a safe space where individuals feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or criticism.
3. Acknowledge and celebrate differences. By recognising and embracing diversity, and celebrating the unique qualities and experiences that each individual brings to the group can lead to powerful and deep connections.
4. Create opportunities for connection. Creating opportunities for connection can help foster a sense of belonging. This includes organising social events, networking opportunities, and team-building activities.
5. Establish shared goals and values. When individuals feel like they are part of a team working towards a common purpose, they are more likely to feel connected and engaged.
6. Practice empathy and compassion. This means listening to others with an open mind, being understanding of their experiences, and offering support when appropriate.
7. Provide feedback and recognition. Recognise and acknowledge the contributions of each individual, and provide empowering feedback to help them grow and develop.

Overall, fostering a sense of belonging requires intentional effort and a commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel accepted, valued, and connected.

The skills of belonging are very much a part of what professional coaches learn to support their clients to feel welcome, included, safe and valued: to create a space of deep trust, rapport, openness, transparency and transformation.

Curious to learn these skills?

If you would like to learn the powerful skills of coaching and belonging in both or either your personal or professional lives - to experience fulfilment and connection - we've got ICF Approved Coach Training and Leadership programmes coming up soon online, in Qatar, the UK and?Africa. To find out more, email?[email protected].