Emotional Intimacy in the Workplace

Say WHAT?

Kris, you’ve gone too far.

Emotional Intelligence, check.
Culture, check.
Relationship building, check.

But emotional intimacy? At WORK? What you talkin’ bout Willis?

I’m talking about the emotional intimacy we crave as human beings and having that experience be commonplace in the workplace.

In most workplaces, gossip is how teams get their “hit.” For others, it’s their time on Facebook. And yet, both of these are cheap super glue. Nothing like those moments spent around a campfire. Or the duet on the road trip. Or sharing a sunset after a long day.

So what does emotional intimacy look like in the workplace?

It looks like this:

Real deal connection.
A sense of affinity and alliance.
Intentions are trusted.
Belonging.
Contributing.
Making a difference.
Being witnessed.
Fulfilling a meaningful purpose.
Feeling safe.
Feeling honored.
Feeling proud.
Welcomed.
Smiles and laughter.
Thoughtfulness and consideration.
Commitment to what’s best for the whole.
Easy momentum.
A sense of place.
Grace and empathy.
Inspired effort.
“I know you have my back.”
We count on each other.
Mutual unspoken respect.
Potential called into being.
Palpable high energy.
“We got this.”
Banding together when “it” hits the fan.
Standing for each other’s success.
Real deal caring and giving a rat’s patootie.
Spirit of “We’ll be damned if we let this stop us!”
The sparkle and deep belly light that together anything’s possible.
Creative, no stupid ideas taken prisoner, problem solving.
Where mistakes really are seen as an opportunity for learning.
Where no one pillages your stapler or your sandwich.
Where you don’t say you have an open door policy (just like you don’t say you’re funny or humble.)
Where someone searches for a Band-Aid when you’re bleeding.
Throwing away the paper towel on the break room floor (that’s not yours) when no one is looking.