I love coffee. It is only after a sip of coffee in the morning that I am certain that I am awake for the rest of the day. As my week is over, I usually savour the best moments, count my blessings and realize that many of my best moments, especially engaging conversations unfolded “over a cup of coffee”.
I treasure these best moments engaged in meaningful conversations in the workplace “over a cup of coffee” while at office pantry or at a nearby coffee shop. Meaningful conversations “over a cup of coffee” reveal a lot about the inner person that we are and what matters most to us.
Leaders and Managers may provide these packets of time for meaningful conversations, buying a staff member a cup of coffee, tea, or latte, initiating the conversation with even one interesting question leading to meaningful exchange of stories. These are highlights of the day that our staff members usually remember and treasure. Conversations on what matters most in our life…the on-goings like family, childhood memories, birthdays and celebrations, their child, the drive home, the weekend getaway, pet peeves, arts and crafts, the latest sale in town , or our LOL moments . Deeper conversations may deal with life purpose, wish list, bucket list, inspirations, lessons learned …what one fully treasures and truly really matters within that drives them. Generative forces. Life forces. All these are significant so that sharing them in conversations makes them even more meaningful. Trust develops.
All these shared “over a cup of coffee” often turns out to be the shining moments so well appreciated in the workplace. And this isn’t about a Q&A type (boss and employee) conversation, but engaging and generative conversations that nurture trust in the workplace. It is priceless… and about Trust — it is a very effective feedback. Trust brings out the best in persons and elevates the level of engagement, both for the employee and the leader/manager. In Linked In, I saw this interesting equation for Employee Motivation and Engagement:
Motivation= Compensation + X
For leaders and managers, we have to creatively seek out and leverage that
X-factor, especially if we so desire to keep our talents be more motivated and engaged in the workplace.
Bring in the choicest brew, then! It is one of life’s perks!
