a list of belonging cues
I’ve asserted here before that folks walk around a team with a few questions on their mind most of the time:
What are we aiming for (and why)?
How am I doing (in the pursuit of that thing)?
Do I belong here?
Daniel Coyle in The Culture Code recommends moves he calls “belonging cues” that can answer that third question for your people. These are small ways you can show people they do belong. I’ve pulled together a list of nine of these - some from Coyle, some I cooked up, some I’ve stolen from great leaders I’ve gotten to work for.
Belonging cues
Appreciation of a choice tied to a value “thanks for doing [x] - what a great example of [ownership]”
Saying “You belong here. I’m so glad you’re on this team.”
Coaching paired with a statement of belief. “I’m giving you feedback on that presentation because I know you can set the standard for this for our team”
“Over-sharing” information: “unnecessary” transparency
Asking “What’s your take?”
“You’re a model of x for the team - in fact, in our next meeting would you model x for the team?”
Vulnerable narration: sharing risky things that can make you “look bad”
Swag (especially if select / specialized and even more especially if given to recognize an achievement)
Intentional gatherings, perhaps for a select group
-Eric
