POSITIVE CLIQUES vs. Negative Clicks
- A small exclusive group of friends or associates. Vb. To form, associate in, or act as a clique.[1]
| The most important thing to a lot of people is to belong to something that’s hip or whatever. To be a part of something that’s not society, just a clique.
– Ric Ocasek |
There is no doubt that there are some people that you will connect with more easily than others. You’ll gravitate towards them during break times. You’ll enjoy similar conversations and maybe have a fair bit in common away from work. Some groups form naturally based on personality and common interests or departmental responsibilities. Occasionally, negative groups gather to erode culture and ‘accuse to excuse’.
Cliques aren’t all bad. In some instances, they’re extensions of the positive relationships you formed in the school grounds. You gained a sense of belonging. At work, you have the opportunity to create something pretty special and share a common objective.
On other occasions you may have felt excluded. Rejection is such a torrid emotion and we don’t want anyone experience this kind of bullying.
Are You a ‘Welcoming Person?’
Welcoming people can transform a workplace into a community, a clan or tribe. Members are linked through a united purpose and common focus that goes beyond the individual weaknesses and strengths.
Keith Abraham, Certified Speaking Professional, speaks about building a Passionate Tribe. Allan Pease, FRSA CSP, is the expert on Body Language. The authors of numerous books, both gentlemen impart insightful, practical tips in a down-to-earth manner on how you can build passionate performance [Keith] and increase the effectiveness of communication [Allan].
The Clicky Workplaces: How to Recognise Them and the Impact on Your Health
If you’re in a destructive workplace click you’ll recognise it by the:
- negative language that is used,
- the gossiping that occurs about people that aren’t present including colleagues and the mysterious ‘management’
- meal and break times are extended inappropriately
- there’s careless regard of company resources
- the emotional hold that the ‘negative influencer’ will have over you
- divisions start to occur and one or two people are really feeding it
If you start to feel any of the symptoms of stress: heart palpitations, headaches, nauseas, or a general unease, you may be finding it difficult to extract yourself from an ‘advancing click.’
Check out the policies and procedures on bullying, review your team development goals, and be confident in aligning your behaviour with company expectations. At the end of the day, the clique is not going to pay your mortgage. Honour your employer and your employment contract.’
Signs of a Healthy Clique Within Your Workplace or Networks
You’ll notice your workplace has a healthy clique if:
- people don’t gossip negatively about each other
- they believe the best in each other and care enough to confront
- team members are in unity behind the vision, mission, and values of the organisation
- there’s a willingness to serve one another.
- People are demonstrating clear personal boundaries, dignity, and respect
- communication channels are clearly defined and utilised
- they spur each other on with encourage and back up their words with action
- encourage ongoing learning and continuous quality improvement
- the workspace is inviting – whether sparse or luxurious
How to Find a Positive Clique – The Checklist:
- Join social networking sites individually and as a company that align with your core values and affiliated industries.
- Work together to establish regular intentional team building opportunities amongst various departments and areas of responsibility. Engage an external facilitator to run the events
- Look for instances where individuals are being held accountable for their behaviours if they’re not lining up with the organisational values
- lnnovation and service are highly prized
- Find a coach or mentor that will help you be a better leader. Choose a skilled person that you really connect with, who can resource you with practical tips, and coach your conversation skills.
[1] Source: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/clique
ABOUT THE AUTHOR – TARRAN DEANE
Tarran Deane CEO of Corporate Cinderella Leadership Development Company, Conference Speaker, Breakout Speaker, MC, Executive Coach, Change & Trust Consultant #Leadership #PSA
Buy Your Copy of the Book: www.tarrandeane.com/alphabet
