You Matter: the Impact of Recognition
Broadening the Circle of Who Matters: the Impact of Recognition
Feeling recognized is a core need for humans. And yet so often, so many people feel overlooked, unseen or invisible in the workplace – and in society. What can we as leaders do to increase levels of dignity and recognition? And what implications does this have for individuals, our workplaces and beyond?
In the latest episode of We Are Human Leaders, we delve deep into these questions and more with Harvard professor and sociologist Michèle Lamont who has studied dignity and worth for decades. In her inspiring new book Seeing Others: How Recognition Works and How It Can Heal a Divided World, she makes a powerful, research-driven case for prioritizing recognition and respect in an inequitable society.
This warm and informative conversation weaves Michèle’s incredible research and personal experience. It’s peppered with insights and inspiration for all of us to mindfully bring recognition and dignity to our day-to-day.
Broadening the circle of who matters
As Michèle explains, “recognition is the capacity humans have to see each other, to make each other feel valued. Recognition is about broadening the circle of who matters and who is seen in our society.” Based on her research, recognition at work is not limited to acknowledging people’s achievements in the context of the workplace. It’s about recognizing the whole human. As she explains, “In the context of leadership, recognition is about making everyone feel dignity and value… Celebrating not only the workers who are the most productive or competitive, but also those who are invisible and do a lot of the emotional work necessary to keep an organization functioning.”
The dangers of meritocracy
Michèle explains how the prevailing narrative of meritocracy (that is, access to power based on merit rather than family, age, gender, wealth or class) harms us at work and beyond.
She unpacks in no uncertain terms that meritocracy “is a narrative that connects success to moral worth. People who are viewed as successful are presumed to have better discipline, work ethic, all kinds of things that are coded as morally valuable. When we embrace the language of meritocracy, we tend to ignore how those who are successful by society's dominant standard are often beneficiaries of a great deal of advantages.” And when we don’t acknowledge the drastically unlevel playing field, it causes immense harm to workplaces and societies.
Diversity is not just a numbers game
Diversity is not just about having representation of different groups and identities in the workplace. According to Michèle, leaders need to be able to foster recognition and dignity for people to genuinely experience a sense of belonging at work. Michèle: “It’s not just a question of numbers to have a more diversified workforce. It's also a question of making sure that all employees feel that they are listened to and that their needs are acknowledged. This really pays off because you have workers who are more committed to the workplace, who treat the workplace more like home and are more likely to go the extra mile as well.”
We also delve into generational differences, the importance of recognizing our common humanity, and why her book is ultimately one of hope. Don’t miss this inspiring and deeply hopeful conversation with a global leader in recognition and dignity.
Bridging generation gaps
Her book, Seeing Others, incorporates research conducted with members of Gen Z to understand how their mindset and needs differ from previous generations. “Once you understand that the ideals which animated the Boomer Generation are meaningless for young people, it allows us to create bridges between generations that are urgently needed.”