Esther Perel on building a relationally intelligent workplace
Aug 9, 2023
auto_awesome
Esther Perel, relationship expert and author, discusses the importance of relational intelligence in the workplace, the impact of personal history on work dynamics, and ways to build stronger teamwork. They also explore poisonous relationships, the role of love in the workplace, and finding meaning in work culture. The hosts reflect on their conversation with Esther and provide actionable suggestions for creating a relationally intelligent workplace.
Understanding the broader context of employees' lives is crucial for addressing their challenges and enhancing productivity at work.
Building a culture that values relationships and emotional intelligence promotes stronger connections and overall team performance.
Active listening and creating space for genuine conversations foster trust and deeper connections within the workplace.
Deep dives
The Importance of a Holistic View of People's Lives
It is crucial to understand the stressors that affect people's performance at work and their overall well-being. A holistic view of people's lives is necessary to provide a clear picture of the challenges they face. Factors such as the environment, personal circumstances, and relationships outside of work significantly impact how individuals show up in the workplace. Neglecting to consider these broader contexts can lead to misunderstandings and hinder productivity.
Creating a Culture that Supports Relationships
Building a culture that values relationships and promotes emotional intelligence is vital for creating a better work environment. Encouraging open communication, trust, and support within teams can lead to stronger relationships and overall team performance. By fostering a culture that values connection, individuals are more likely to feel supported and engaged in their work.
The Power of Listening and Building Relationships
Being an active listener and giving someone uninterrupted time to speak can have a profound impact on relationships. By providing a space where individuals feel heard and understood, managers and colleagues can foster trust and deeper connections. Creating opportunities for genuine conversations and expressing curiosity about each other's experiences can help build stronger relationships within the workplace.
The Need for Context and Understanding
The workplace should take into account the broader context of employees' lives. Factors such as caregiving responsibilities and personal stressors significantly influence individuals' performance and well-being at work. Managers should strive to understand and support employees in their unique circumstances, creating an environment that addresses their needs and fosters a sense of belonging and support.
Embracing Innovation and Diversity of Perspectives
Creating an environment that promotes innovation involves embracing diversity of perspectives and experiences. By bringing together individuals with different backgrounds, skills, and ways of thinking, new ideas and solutions can emerge. Encouraging risk-taking, openness to new experiences, and collaboration between diverse team members can lead to more innovative outcomes and a thriving work culture.
This episode contains the never heard before full interview from our very first episode with Esther Perel.
It was this sit down conversation that sparked a friendship between Esther and Damon that continues to this day. We believe in the magic that real conversations can create, so we want to take you back to that moment in time, back to the start and give you access to the first time Esther and Damon sat down together.
For the first time ever, we’re releasing the full interview from start to finish. This conversation offers a great opportunity to be reminded of the foundational elements of relational intelligence, and gives you tangible takeaways to help you build a better world of work.
Psychotherapist Esther Perel is the New York Times bestselling author of The State of Affairs and Mating in Captivity. Fluent in nine languages, she helms a therapy practice in New York City and serves as an organizational consultant for Fortune 500 companies around the world. Esther’s TED talks have garnered more than 20 million views and she is the host of the podcast Where Should We Begin?
If you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review.
Learn more about Culture Amp at www.cultureamp.com or @cultureamp on Instagram
Learn more about Esther at www.estherperel.com or @EstherPerelOfficial on Instagram.
Show notes:
In this episode Esther mentions: John Gottman’s metaphor of the The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. The four communication styles, according to his research, that can predict the end of a relationship are criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling.