Acceptance and Belonging

Research has shown that there is a strong link between feeling acceptance and belonging and improving your self esteem.

Individuals who feel like they belong, gain security. This sense of security then nurtures self-esteem. Maslow when writing about the Hierarchy of Needs believed that most of society's social problems stemmed from this basic need (for belonging) not being met.

Everyone needs to belong to a group that accepts them. This group can take the form of the family, peers, school work, sporting team, church etc.

The climate (culture) of the organization (be it family or business) to which you belong may have either a sense of hostility and fear ... or a sense of support and goodwill. This culture doesn't happen by accident. It is a product of the behaviors, values and attitudes that are modeled and accepted.

Acceptance and belonging can be promoted within an organization by:

• Not accepting put downs in any form - especially negative self-talk


• Modeling and expecting only respect all the time


• No competing for rewards - tangible (money, gifts) and intangible (status, privileges)


• Valuing diversity - the differences are what make a community stronger


• Providing opportunities to discover the interests, capabilities and backgrounds of each individual


• Promoting inclusion and acceptance - not allowing cliques and sub-cultures to develop


• Encouraging inter-relationships and interdependence that promote co-operation


• Avoiding comparisons between people


• Allowing people freedom to control their destiny and be involved in contributing to the success of the organization i.e.no command and control