My musings in the last blog began with a word. I continue the theme, this time inspired by the Greek word ueraki (transliterated Meraki). It’s not quite as random as it might appear: it is the name of a building I visited and which made an impression on me.
The word is translated into English as “to do something with soul, creativity or love”. As such, it is a powerful concept. The word ‘soul’ is a loaded one for many people – if that proves a distraction, focus on the creativity/love aspects.
When we engage with our activities or responsibilities with creativity, or indeed love, we can transcend the mundane and, in effect, elevate our work onto a new plane. We experience what, in the language of positive psychology, is called a flow state. In the words of its proponent, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, it is the psychological state of optimal experience. When we are elevated into a flow state, our work can be elevated in terms of outputs and impacts. And when we invoke creativity too, it could be argued that our work could be elevated into an art form.
Flow is an important concept for effective leaders – creating flow for themselves and flow for their teams is a key responsibility of a leader. Unsurprisingly whether the word flow is used or not, the concept is core to leadership coaching. In a real sense flow is a contributor to, and a reflector of, flourishing.
And flourishing is about so much more than the delivery of impact, important though that is. Flourishing is greater than function. Flourishing is about becoming.
I often ask leaders the question “what gives you life?”. It’s a question about identity. Who am I as a leader – and as a person – and what is needed for me to be the best version of myself? How can I be more fully me?
Simple questions on the face of it. Enormously searching to answer.
Which takes me back to ‘Meraki’. There’s another English translation of it which refers to the ‘essence of oneself’ – specifically the essence of oneself that we put into our work. Which absolutely roots it in the realm of identity. And which, in effect takes us back to ‘soul’.
However, one appropriates the word ‘soul’, whether it has religious connotations, or represents a metaphysical conception or is simply a metaphor to describe one’s deeper identity it surely does speak of the ‘self’. That which makes ‘me’ me.
I run the risk of slipping into an abstract discussion of the philosophical concept of ontology. That is not my intention. Rather, I am interested in the impact of bringing our very essence into our work.
This deeper investment of self into our work can be transformative. It unleashes our deeper creativity and passions and enhances our insights. It stimulates our emotional intelligence – assuming it awakes that deeper self-awareness that lies at the heart of emotional intelligence – and informs adaptive and intentional styles of leadership. It catalyses interactivity and promotes collaboration and team performance.
Approaching challenges with soul and creativity can lead to groundbreaking innovations and solutions. When team members bring their unique perspectives and creative ideas to the table, they can collaboratively create something extraordinary. It’s about fostering an environment where creativity is encouraged, and individuals feel empowered to express their true selves.
Working with essence also involves embracing vulnerability. It requires us to open-up, take risks, and offer our authentic selves. This authenticity is what connects us with others on a deeper level.
Moreover, engaging in activities with soul creates an environment for fulfilment. It allows us to tap into our inner reservoirs of joy and satisfaction. When we create something that resonates with our true selves, we experience a sense of accomplishment and pride that goes beyond external validation. It’s a reminder that we are capable of producing beauty and meaning in the world. We flourish!
In short, it is an investment with huge potential impacts.
Of course, one must hold the positive dimensions of this self-investment in tension with the potentially abusive corporate expectations often encapsulated by the mantra ‘bring your whole self to work’. No! The investment of which I speak is a gift, and not a response to an expectation, or worse still, a demand.
Meraki. A clue for flourishing. An affirmation of self. A guide for transformative leadership.
