A New Culture of Work — Now

As the Great Resignation goes on, it’s a good time to create a new work culture where everyone belongs, is treated with dignity, and is motivated to contribute their very best work. 

Here’s how I would define the new culture:

• Valuing a diversity of perspectives

• Being present and communicating with grace

• Speaking up and speaking out without fear of reprisal 

• Leveraging strengths and shoring up weaknesses

• Using your comparative advantage, i.e., work you are best at

• Controlling resources effectively

• Being able to support yourself and your family

• Being role models for each other

• Having — and being — mentors and sponsors, if appropriate

• Upskilling, continually

• Taking ownership of your professional growth and journey

• Carving out an identity of integrity and compassion

• Finding your sweet spot between work and the rest of your life experience

Here’s what to leave behind:

• Insisting on a rigid work environment

• Requiring responses to communications at all hours

• Gaslighting

• Sabotaging people and projects

• Lashing out

• Treating everything as transactional, including people’s talent

• Unequal pay and work 

I see these habits and values as universally acceptable. Can we agree?