Organizations worldwide that
are fostering spirit at work report not only increased happiness and
creativity among their employees, but greater productivity and
profitability. As one CEO says, “The separation of heart and work is
too divisive. Working with heart is unbeatable.” Spirit means that
we can express our highest qualities and values at work as well as
at home and in our communities.
When people are in touch with their spirit and are encouraged to
express it, the workplace becomes a thriving community infused with
a commitment to quality, enthusiasm, honesty, respect, creativity,
integrity, openness, and compassion. Many organizations see spirit
expressing as service to the community or concern for the
environment. By contrast, the symptoms of repressed spirit show up
as apathy, low morale, gossip and backbiting, fear, turf battles and
power plays, high absenteeism and turnover, and chronic health
problems. It is no wonder that more and more organizations are
consciously putting “spirit” to work.
Focus points:
 |
why
workplaces are shifting to a spirit focus |
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case
studies: from informal weekly meetings to company-wide events |
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identifying
what spirit at work means to you and your organization |
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focusing on
values and meaning |
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learning the
power of integrity and openness |
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appreciating
employees |
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encouraging
creativity |
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using
inspiration to motivate |
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creating a
harmonious environment |
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implementing
your program |