Author John Amaechi describes a conversation he had after he spoke at a conference that was held on a cruise ship.
Amaechi was approached by a young steward who had watched his speech on the internal TV system.
He made some points and Amaechi was impressed. He spoke intelligently. Amaechi soon figured out the steward was capable of much more than the limits set by his current role.
After while the steward opened up about work on the ship.
‘We are invisible,’ he said.
‘The managers flip their orders at us and stand there tapping their feet until the work is done. The closest we get to human connection is when we can’t deliver what is asked for and then they want to shake us.’
‘When passengers go by on the corridor, we press ourselves into the walls so we don’t get in the way.
When managers go by, we hide in the shadows so they don’t think we are doing something wrong.’
The steward isn’t alone.
Many people prepare for their working day with a sense of apprehension.
They may have to face the toxic leader or deal with bullying or work with a lack of direction and support.
They don’t talk about the pressures they have at home in their relationships or finances.
They do a good job at hiding their anxiety or insecurity.
Research has found:
The levels of loneliness in our society today are at record highs. Levels of loneliness among young people (and young professionals) are often recorded higher than those for older people.
A majority of young workers agree with the statement that ‘I don’t have a good friend at work.’
I guess there hasn’t been a time in recent history where people (particularly young people) need the help and support of experienced colleagues. Even one friendly face and one sincere conversation can make all the difference.
Take a look around your own team or company.
Who is hiding in the shadows where you work?
We talk about a ‘war for talent.’
Often the answer is under our noses.
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