Photo by Randy Fath on Unsplash
I woke up this morning to the results of the British elections which I must be honest and say weren’t “quite” what I’d hoped for. The results, however, reflect a reality that we all have to live with regardless of what we may have hoped for. As with most contests and competitions, there were winners and losers. Similarly, the winners are busy rejoicing – some taunting and literally showing two fingers at those that lost – often in a rather nasty manner. As for those that have lost, there are varying responses. Those that point their fingers at anyone and everyone and everything else – some may say looking for excuses. Then there are those that immediately accept responsibility, recognising they may have made mistakes; contemplate that they were just not good enough, the preferred choice or what have you.
Ultimately, there is a lot of emotion that comes to play and a fair amount of processing that is likely to take place under the surface, similar to the stages of grief involving an initial shock; denial; upset/anger; depression, before finally coming to a stage of acceptance. My hope is that the politicians that have not achieved their desired outcomes are supported by people that recognise that they need to go through this process in some form.
Going through the process of accepting defeat does not just apply in the political arena, it applies to most areas of life – inclusive of the workplace. In fact, there are so many situations in which it may occur. Take for instance;
Take the example of the employee hoping to be involved in a project that really excites him or her only to be told at the eleventh hour that someone else has been selected instead. Perhaps more pertinent is the person who is encouraged to put him or herself forward for a promotion only to be told that a different candidate is selected for the role and he or she needs to report to that person.
Then there’s the person that faces allegations in a grievance situation. Even if the case is not held the person may be left feeling somewhat battered and left self-questioning.
With all different scenarios that apply in the workplace, I believe that the communication, understanding and support that a person receives can make all the difference to the person future within the organisation and effectiveness as this may be what determines whether the person ends up still feeling valued and an integral part with something worthwhile to offer.
Susan Popoola
Human Value Optimisation Specialist
Developing a Mosaic World