Creating a Conscious Workplace: Lessons from Babel and Beyond

Last night, I had a truly inspiring meeting with my project team. We're a group of four leaders working together on an exciting project, and our commitment to authenticity and "practicing what we preach" is at the core of our collaboration.

One of the highlights of our meeting was when we explored each person's "WHY" for the project, a concept popularized by Simon Sinek in his Golden Circle. This simple yet powerful exercise brought a new level of depth and understanding to our interactions.

What made this meeting truly special was the safe psychological space we created for each other. This allowed us to be vulnerable, authentic, and honest in our feedback and observations. It's a stark contrast to the toxic work environments that have been making headlines, like the recent alleged incident at Babel restaurant.

The viral video posted by Mihlali Nobavu shed light on the serious issue of alleged toxic work environments in the hospitality industry. As someone who has consulted in this field, I can relate to the challenges and frustrations that employees often face in the hospitality industry. While I don't have all the details of the Babel incident, I believe that conscious leadership is crucial for preventing such alleged toxic environments.

When leaders and team members operate inauthentically, dishonestly, or fearfully, it creates a toxic atmosphere. It's not always a conscious decision; these toxic behaviors can manifest in subtle micro ways, such as snide remarks, hurtful jokes, unintentional bullying, and gossip. Over time, these microaggressions erode trust, morale, and productivity and certainly a conscious work environment. 

To create a healthy and positive workplace, leaders must prioritize authenticity, vulnerability, and open communication. By fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and accountability, we can build teams that thrive and achieve their goals.

The alleged toxic work environment at Babel serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fostering a positive and supportive workplace culture. Now, take a moment to reflect on your own professional environment.

• Identify toxic behaviors: Are you witnessing or experiencing any of the behaviors described in this post, such as bullying, gossip, or a lack of authenticity?

• Assess your role: How might your own actions or attitudes contribute to a positive or negative workplace culture?

• Take action: If you notice toxic behaviors, consider having a conversation with the individual or bringing it to the attention of a supervisor.

Here are some practical steps you can take to improve your workplace culture:

• Open communication: Encourage open and honest communication among team members. Create safe spaces for people to share their thoughts and concerns.

• Empathy and understanding: Practice empathy and understanding towards your colleagues. Try to see things from their perspective and treat them with respect.

• Positive reinforcement: Acknowledge and reward positive behaviors. This can help to foster a more positive and supportive atmosphere.

• Address issues promptly: Don't let toxic behaviors fester. Address them directly and respectfully to prevent them from escalating.

• Lead by example: As a leader or team member, set a positive example by demonstrating the behaviors you want to see in others.

By taking these steps, you can contribute to a healthier, happier, and more productive workplace for everyone. Remember, a positive work culture is not just a goal; it's an investment in the well-being of your team and the success of your organization.