Unleashing the Power of Self Esteem in Organizations

When I was little, I was a plump child and some people around me called me “aalu” (which means a potato - presumably with affection) . And then till I was 9, I had a boy cut for a few years and some of them called me – “katora cut” (which means that my hairdresser put a bowl around my head and chopped off the hair that escaped the bowl).

My mother often told me not to pay heed to such comments( giving me worse examples from her childhood) and encouraged me to move on from ruminating on these – we used to laugh talking about this together. ?I had a healthy childhood and adolescence but I carried these names and thoughts at the back of my head for many years until I worked on them deliberately and understood the ways in which opinions of others affect us for longer than we think they do, they affect our confidence in our being, our feelings of being valued by others, our view of ourselves and what we could achieve and our motivation to succeed – And I felt grateful for having talked about these things to someone significant in my life.

We come across people in workplaces, coffee corners , gyms and even we ourselves slip into commenting on physical features of others around us /anything at all that the other has limited or no control over. We tease/ we make fun and end up unintentionally saying stuff that stays with people and affects their ideas of themselves. Can we be conscious of that? Can we be sensitive to that? And promote such sensitivity in daily conversations.

A video I watched on instagram triggered this personal piece I share with you here but more importantly as a Leadership and people consultant, I believe that if organizations could support work on Self esteem , it could fuel a high performance culture and could help potential bloom in their systems

Imagine a workplace where every employee feels confident, valued, and motivated—a place where ideas flow freely, teams collaborate seamlessly, and challenges are met with enthusiasm rather than apprehension. This isn't a utopian fantasy; it's the tangible result of fostering high self-esteem within an organization. Self-esteem, the bedrock of personal and professional well-being, has a transformative impact on the dynamics and success of any business. Let's dive into the vibrant world of self-esteem and explore how it can become the secret ingredient to organizational excellence.

The Magic of Self-Esteem in the Workplace

Self-esteem in the workplace is more than just a buzzword; it's a dynamic force that shapes how employees perceive their value and capabilities. High self-esteem manifests as confidence, self-assurance, and a proactive attitude, while low self-esteem can lead to hesitance, insecurity, and disengagement.

The Ripple Effect: How Self-Esteem Transforms Organizations

1. Igniting Employee Engagement and Productivity: Picture a team where each member is eager to contribute, unafraid to take initiative, and brimming with ideas. High self-esteem fuels this level of engagement, turning daily tasks into opportunities for innovation and excellence. Confident employees are not just participants; they are trailblazers, driving the organization forward with their energy and creativity.
2. Cultivating Positive Workplace Relationships: In a workplace infused with high self-esteem, interactions are marked by respect, support, and camaraderie. Colleagues collaborate with ease, sharing knowledge and resources without hesitation. This positive atmosphere reduces conflicts and fosters a sense of unity, making the workplace a more enjoyable and productive environment.
3. Empowering Leadership and Influence: Leaders with robust self-esteem are like beacons, guiding their teams with clarity, conviction, and empathy. Their confidence inspires trust and loyalty, encouraging employees to follow suit and develop their own leadership qualities. Such leaders create a culture where everyone feels empowered to contribute and lead.
4. Boosting Resilience and Adaptability: In the face of change and adversity, self-esteem acts as a shield. Employees with high self-esteem view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than threats. This resilience allows them to adapt swiftly and effectively, ensuring that the organization remains agile and forward-thinking.

Cultivating a Culture of High Self-Esteem

1. Celebrate Achievements, Big and Small: Transform the workplace into a stage where accomplishments are celebrated with fanfare. Whether it's a successful project, a creative idea, or a milestone achieved, recognition and celebration can boost self-esteem and encourage a culture of appreciation and motivation.
2. Invest in Growth and Development: Imagine an environment where learning is continuous, and growth is encouraged. Providing training programs, workshops, and mentoring opportunities helps employees build skills and confidence. When employees see a clear path for advancement, their self-esteem naturally flourishes.
3. Champion Open Communication: Foster an open, transparent communication culture where ideas are shared freely and feedback is constructive. Regular one-on-one meetings, feedback sessions, and an open-door policy can create a sense of trust and respect, making employees feel heard and valued.
4. Create a Positive Work Environment: Design a workspace that radiates positivity and inclusivity. From collaborative workspaces to social areas, creating an environment where employees feel comfortable and connected can significantly boost self-esteem and overall job satisfaction.
5. Deliver Constructive Feedback with Care: Feedback should be a tool for growth, not a source of stress. Focus on behaviors and outcomes, providing actionable insights that help employees improve without damaging their self-esteem. Constructive feedback delivered with empathy can be a powerful motivator.
6. Support Work-Life Balance: Promote a healthy work-life balance with flexible working hours, remote work options, and wellness programs. By prioritizing employees' well-being, organizations can reduce stress and prevent burnout, fostering a happier, more self-assured workforce.

Self-esteem is the unsung hero of organizational success. It is the spark that ignites innovation, the glue that binds teams together, and the shield that protects against adversity. By nurturing self-esteem, organizations can transform their workplaces into hubs of creativity, collaboration, and resilience. Development programs and growth plans must include esteem as a parameter.

It is indeed important to embrace the power of self-esteem and watch your organization soar to new heights.

That said I would want to reiterate my point on sensitivity to others. We come across people and even we slip into commenting on physical features /anything at all that the other has limited or no control over, we tease/make fun unintentionally saying stuff that stays with people and affects their ideas of themselves. Can we be conscious of that ? Can we be sensitive to that? And promote such sensitivity in daily conversations. For the sake of well being of our families, friends , workplaces.