By Christine Pienaar Commitment to something (a task, a relationship, a company, etc.) is a way of saying “this is important to me, I will stick with it and I will give myself to it in a way that does justice to its value”. This may be true of a piece of work that you take ownership of and carry responsibility for, with a commitment to executing it well. It could be your team to whom you are loyal, or your colleagues to whom you are individually committed
In a generationally blended team there might be mixed opinions on what work commitment looks like. Loyalty to a company, for instance, typically isn’t highly valued by millennials and Gen Zs. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t committed to the work and their own contribution to a team.
To foster this value intergenerationally, it is important to create a culture that enables personal growth and career development (Vargo, 2019). The EQ skills of Self-Actualisation, Optimism and Emotional Expression will enable this.
Self-Actualisation
Is the “willingness to persistently try to improve oneself and engage in the pursuit of personally relevant and meaningful objectives that lead to a rich and enjoyable life” (MHS, 2011). Creating a company culture that encourages self-actualisation leaves employees feeling like they can keep growing where they are, without having to change jobs or look elsewhere. This is a particularly relevant skill that future-focused companies need in order to effectively attract (and retain) top talent. Furthermore, employees with high self-actualisation transfer that to their work – with a commitment to improving the quality of their performance, and output.
Optimism
Is an “indicator of one’s positive attitude and outlook on life. It involves remaining hopeful and resilient despite occasional setbacks” (MHS, 2011). Cultivating team optimism is a great way to counter an attitude that says “the grass is always greener on the other side”. No one wants to be part of a team or organisation that isn’t going anywhere, so commitment to that team or company needs to be motivated by forward movement with a future that looks better than the past, not because one feels guilty about leaving.
Emotional Expression
Involves “openly expressing one’s feelings verbally and non-verbally” (MHS, 2011). This is not simply about honesty, it’s much more about the ability to articulate what you are feeling in a way that is easily understood. Employees who can successfully express themselves are more likely to feel heard, will know they have a voice and, in turn, will feel more secure and psychologically safe within a team. This tends to foster ownership and a commitment to the cause.
