We have a cool little channel on Slack. It’s called # who-I-noticed. This channel is actually an adoption of a therapeutic circle I observed a few years ago when I was doing voluntary work with problematic children.
It’s a small, but very powerful channel. It has some rules, and people think twice before posting there. But the result of a post there (at least for myself) is without a fail elevation: warm, uplifting emotions somewhere deep inside.
The emotions of being proud of a team member who hustled hard to come to their experience level. Inspiration because someone’s efforts are being appreciated by all the team. Seeing trust and relationship bonds in between individuals and the group. This makes me want to work harder, and provide even better conditions for such a rockstar team.
In the book The Happiness Hypothesis, the author Jonathan Heidt actually observes a new emotion – Elevation.
He defines elevation as “an emotion that is caused by witnessing virtuous acts or feats of moral beauty.” He asserts that elevation elicits warm, pleasurable sensations in the chest, and it also motivates individuals to act more virtuously themselves.
This is not some fairy tale, elevation exists, it has been scientifically proven. And noticing somebody’s virtuous deed in a way that showcases it in front of the whole tribe can cause elevation for everyone. Very powerful.
Why is elevation needed? Because it binds. Because it requires working with people to feel it. In this day and age, it’s very easy to have shallow relationships. It’s very easy to take people for granted. It very easy to be focused on the self. What I need. What I want. What matters for me.
Yet, a funny thing happens when you take on more responsibility and try to not only take care for yourself, but for others too. Your superpowers grow. Your focus deepens. Your gratitude increases. Once others are on the line too, there’s no more screwing around.
A few random challenges to help you grow, and to observe and produce the emotion of Elevation in your day to day life:
#1 If your efforts are never noticed in the place you’re working at, it might be the wrong place. (Or your not putting in enough effort.)
#2 If you don’t notice the people that work for and with you, you’re heading down a dark path of egoism and loneliness,
#3 If you struggle with hiring, think about what Jim Collins said in Good to Great: Before anything else, get the right people on the bus.
#4 Create a # who-I-Noticed for your team. If you are unsure how, hit me up, I will help.
#5 Observe more. And then say it. Both to the individuals and to the community around. If we point more things out the community self-regulates and benefits.
Drop a line and let us know what you think about this, what you noticed. Don’t be a stranger.
Wishing you an epic week, and lots of Elevation!
Leave a Reply