In the dynamic landscape of the modern workplace, effective communication is not just about exchanging information, it’s about fostering an environment where ideas can flourish, relationships can thrive, and every team member feels valued and understood.
Central to achieving this level of communication excellence is the concept of Unconditional Positive Regard (UPR), introduced by Carl Rogers, a prominent figure in positive psychology.
Understanding Unconditional Positive Regard
"People are just as wonderful as sunsets if you let them be. When I look at a sunset, I don’t find myself saying, ‘Soften the orange a bit on the right-hand corner.’ I don’t try to control a sunset. I watch with awe as it unfolds." - Carl Rogers
Unconditional Positive Regard (UPR) refers to accepting and valuing a person without requiring them to meet certain conditions or standards. It's an attitude of complete acceptance and support, regardless of what the person says or whether they've let you down in some way.
In a professional setting, this means valuing colleagues and employees for who they are, providing psychological safety for them to express ideas and supporting their growth and development.
It doesn't imply condoning poor behaviour, but rather acknowledging and respecting the fact that they're on a life-long-learning journey and have the mental faculties to learn and grow from any mistakes they've made. Practising UPR necessitates an open mind, active listening, a growth mindset, empathy and effective communication.
By demonstrating UPR, leaders and colleagues create an atmosphere where trust and transparency can flourish. When people know they are respected for their worth, they are more likely to open up, share their thoughts, and contribute meaningfully to team efforts. This approach can lead to increased psychological safety and all the benefits that flow from it.
Cultivating UPR in the Workplace
The first step toward cultivating a happy, motivated work culture is to practise unconditional positive regard toward yourself. It’s important to separate your identity from past actions and behaviours; particularly when you may have made mistakes, as you are not defined by them. When you accept yourself for who you are and align with your core values, you grant yourself the freedom to positively grow and adapt to change. Interestingly, self-acceptance doesn’t lead to complacency; instead, it fosters the confidence needed to make positive adjustments and encourages a growth mindset geared toward collaborating and helping others to achieve the same.
As human beings, we all have bias that results in making quick judgments about people and situations, but these initial assessments can often be incorrect. To cultivate UPR, it's essential to become aware of these bias's and immediate thoughts to consciously work toward setting them aside. So, instead of jumping to conclusions, practise asking questions with curiosity and seeking clarity. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of others and their perspectives.
While it's challenging to catch and redirect a thought in the moment, taking these initial steps will enable greater effective collaboration, as it translates to taking initiative in getting to know and understand your human eco-system, resulting in trustworthy foundations being laid. By striving to see the world from others' viewpoints, we create an environment of respect and openness, fostering stronger and more meaningful connections.
Cultivating UPR in the workplace may prove challenging, but is worth the effort, so here are some other techniques that will help:
1. Practise Active Listening: Truly listening to others without immediate judgment is a fundamental aspect of UPR. This involves giving your full attention, acknowledging the speaker’s perspective, and responding thoughtfully. Active listening demonstrates that you value the other person’s input, which in turn, fosters mutual respect and understanding.
2. Show Empathy: Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others. In a professional context, this means being aware of your colleagues’ emotions and responding with compassion. Empathetic communication helps in building strong, trust-based relationships.
3. Provide Constructive Feedback: Feedback is essential for growth, but it should be delivered in a manner that respects the individual. Focus on the behaviour or outcome, not the person. This ensures that the feedback is seen as a tool for improvement rather than a personal attack.
4. Celebrate Individual Strengths: Recognise and appreciate the unique strengths and contributions of each team member. Celebrating these strengths reinforces their value to the team and encourages them to continue performing at their best.
5. Foster a Non-Judgmental Environment: Create a workplace culture where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities rather than failures. Encourage open dialogue about challenges and setbacks, ensuring that everyone feels supported in their professional journey.
As Carl Rogers once said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” This insight not only applies to self-acceptance but also extends to how we interact with others. By embracing unconditional positive regard, we understand that accepting others as they are encourages them to accept themselves. This acceptance becomes a powerful catalyst for personal growth and positive change, both for ourselves and for those around us.
By valuing and respecting each individual, we create an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their best. As we cultivate UPR through active listening, empathy, constructive feedback, and a non-judgmental approach, we pave the way for a more collaborative, innovative, and thriving workplace.
Cultivating UPR is not straightforward, so we facilitate UPR processes and learnings in our Communication Excellence Masterclass for teams. If you're ready to learn more about effective communication and how we can empower your team, contact us today!
Xin Yi Ng (Michelle)
Research & Development Lead
Comentarios