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How to Be Human at Work (& Why It Matters So Much Right Now)

How to be human at work- RedCapeRevolution.com

Sometimes, it’s hard to remember how to be human at work.

We’re programmed to avoid showing confusion, sadness, or frustration. We’re trained to ignore when we’re tired, hungry or scared.

We’ve become robotic.

And now we’re now worried real robots will take our jobs.

HA! Joke’s on us, eh?

I don’t know about  you, but I’ve got to remember how to be human at work.

And not just for humanity, but for my own sanity.

(Oh, and because it makes good business sense.)

Here’s why.

In order for people to want to work with you, whether as clients, customers, or even internal colleagues, they must trust you.

And in order to trust you, they first must like you.

Not Facebook Like you, but really, really like you.

And what do we like? People who act like humans.

Who smile.

Who look up at our eyes instead of down into their phones.

Who make mistakes, apologize, and are perfectly imperfect.

Someone like you, when you’re at your best.

This is not a squishy Oprah Chopra kind of thing, but rather good solid business practice.

I think we can do it.

Let’s practice how to be human at work. Here are five ways to start.


How to Be Human at Work: Five Ways

Human Strategy 1. Eat and drink

When I am in work-bot mode, I skip breakfast and often muddle through lunch if I’m working alone that day.

Then I’m crazy hungry at dinner and eat like I’ve never seen food before.

And then I feel like crap.

If only I’d stopped to remember I’m human, and remember that humans need to eat.

We also need to drink, and drink more than the caffeinated and/or carbonated beverages that have become our office staples.

Want to double your humanity quotient?

Invite another human being to eat or drink with you.

Even the spontaneous “want to have lunch with me?” or “can I refill your water bottle?” can go a long way.

Let me pause here and go refill mine. You too. I’ll wait.


Human Strategy 2. Be proud of your successes

I am so fortunate to work with many talented high achievers. They have a lot to be proud of.

And they’re often embarrassed to admit it.

Or worse, they’ve been programmed not to admit it.

“Just doing my job,” they say.

Or “Oh, it wasn’t that big of a thing,” they hedge.

Part of being a human is to share and be happy with what’s going well.

Plus, our neurons dance in our brains when they get more encouragement, compliments, kudos.

Why wait for others to allow you to be proud? Be a real human and tell us your story (get started with these ideas).

You might worry that this looks like bragging. Maybe it is.

But you can learn to brag so that others don’t gag.  (Watch my short video here to learn how.)

Fellow humans will love your story. Don’t cheat them by staying quiet.


Human Strategy 3. Take time to use the bathroom

I’ve often wondered why our creator made our bodies to need regular breaks. After all, why not create a constantly circulating machine? Wouldn’t that have made more sense?

I’m thinking its because we’re biologically intended to take regular breaks.

Your bathroom break is not only a bio stop, but an investment in your continued energy and brainpower.

Think you don’t have time? Remember that a bathroom stop also gives us the built-in excuse to stop talking, breathe, and even relax for a second.

That’s a smart strategy to employ so you can be ready for whatever’s happening next on your agenda.

(And please, leave your devices at your desk. There’s enough poop in our email stream already.)

Go ahead. We’ll wait.


4. Give empathy

This may be “how to be a human 2.0,” but I think you can handle it.

When my coaching clients express their frustration and even anger with their leader’s decisions or colleague’s actions, here’s the strategy I recommend:

Replace your frustration with empathy.

In other words, when you’re feeling the frustration (“Why would they make such a stupid move?”), take that thought and set it aside.

Exchange it in your mind with a human thought containing empathy and understanding—something that might also answer the question “What else could be going on here?”

An empathetic reaction might be:

  • “Wow–maybe she isn’t fully aware of the impact that decision will have on the business.”
  • “To say something that hurtful, he must be feeling really scared and alone. I feel sorry for him.”
  • “I feel fortunate that I don’t have to operate in the same way she is.”

Empathy is a a magic way to suddenly remember that they–and you–are both human, prone to brilliance and brainlessness.


5. Give you

Maybe one of the most human things we can do is to give of ourselves, even at work.

Your head smarts. Gut instinct. Your heart’s courage.

how to be human at work

Who might need you in your workplace right now? Maybe they need your encouragement. Your counsel. Your hands on a project. Your voice in their corner.

And they might need something from your superpower space. That’d be great.

Because when we’re bringing our superpowers to work, we’re the most human of all.


Hey—want more help?

No matter what’s happening in your life at work, a 30-minute chat with me can help you get unstuck and move forward, fast. 

Just hit the button below, and pick a date and time that’s available. Answer a few short questions, and then I’ll call you at the time you picked. There’s nothing to prepare–just show up right where you are. If, after we talk, it sounds like one of my coaching programs or courses will help you going forward, I’ll share details after our call. There’s no pressure -my goal is to be helpful immediately.

Spots fill up fast, though, so schedule yours now and start getting the support you deserve.

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