Adaptivity Development’s Post

Are we forgetting how to be human? Today, I stopped at Taco Bell (my favorite 😁) between meetings. The moment I walked in, it was clear they were short-staffed and overwhelmed, with orders backed up inside, at the drive-through, and for delivery. But here’s what shocked me: the utter lack of patience and compassion from every single customer that was waiting. Shouting comments, escalating tension, the frustration was palpable. The manager on duty was working feverishly, calling out orders and trying to manage the chaos. The staff, who deserve praise for showing up and giving their all, were hustling as fast as they could. Yet, complaints were flying. Customers at the window were grumbling. Those inside were upset about drive-through orders being prioritized. Delivery drivers were insisting their call-in orders should come first. Despite the chaos, the manager quickly took the time to explain to each person that they were short-staffed and doing their best, apologizing amidst raised voices and handing out food with a sincere apology for the wait. She also kept encouraging the staff, helped them stay focused, and defended them from jerk customers. Ironic... it was more important for the irritated customers to complain and get "a pound of flesh", rather than support, encourage, and just stay out of the way... which caused more delay. When I got my food, I made sure to catch the employee's eye and simply said, "Thank you. I appreciate you hanging in there." She, paused for a moment, got a tear in her eye and looked at me just long enough to say, "Thank you. I needed that," before jumping into another order. So, here’s the real question: why aren’t we more compassionate? We have all been in stressful situations that were out of our control, yet we seem quick to condemn. Why can’t we extend grace to those who show up, work hard, and try their best? If we can’t treat the people who serve us with respect, how can we expect our favorite places to stay open? Work stress and workplace anxiety are skyrocketing. It’s time we all step up our game—not just in our professional skills, but in our ability to be human. Compassion and respect aren’t just nice-to-haves; they’re essential. Let’s pull together, support each other, and remember that a little kindness goes a long way. 💪❤️ #Compassion #Respect #Humanity #Support #WorkplaceWellness #greatculture #hr #shrm #strategichr #collettspeaks #pivotalmoments #leadership #leadbyexample #heart #support

I Went Into a Strange World I went with a friend for lunch at a restaurant that has made a name for itself, both locally and overseas. Its reputation cast a spell of curiosity. As the waitress approached to take our orders, an uncanny silence enveloped us. My friend and I exchanged bewildered glances, as if we had stumbled into an alternate reality. The waitress barely glanced our way. Her eyes were seemingly fixed on some invisible point beyond us. Later, I sought guidance from another waitress, asking for directions to the restroom. Once again, her gaze evaded mine. It was as if I were a ghost drifting through her world. When the meal came to an end, I approached the cashier to settle the bill. I attempted to spark a conversation with the woman behind the point-of-sale machine. I was hoping to break the eerie spell that hung in the air. But alas, she, too, remained detached. Her focus was unwaveringly transfixed on the transaction. It was as if I were nothing more than a passing shadow. I always knew I had a face that looks like it’s been run over by a lorry. My good friends also kindly reassured me that I still have a face only my mother could love. Still, I found a mirror to double-check that my face had not taken a steep decline. Anyway, the strange atmosphere lingered. It felt as though I had crossed a threshold into a different realm. The ordinary rules of interaction had been suspended. Perhaps a peculiar affliction had seeped into the very essence of the staff. It was transporting them to a world of their own and imposing on them a trance of disengagement. Anyway, my friends and I had a good laugh over the experience. What do you think? #business #customerservice #corporateculture #leadership

Everyday, try to be better than yesterday! ☝🏻🥂 Once I failed in my work performance. Of course not only once, we make mistakes all the time. But what I mean is that, I failed but had difficulty in accepting it as a failure. Today, writing about how to put in practice ways to overcome mistakes, I remembered this history. At that time I didn’t think it was a failure… Simply because it was something that happened all the time, with all my colleagues. We where all used to it. There was a guest who complained to my supervisor, saying that I was not giving them enough attention. That I haven’t acknowledged them properly and that I didn’t took care of their requests. I was so upset, because they had no request AT ALL. And when you have so many things to do and so many guests to attend, you don’t really have time for everyone everyday. They only wanted attention, and I was busy with other costumers. I let my colleagues to take care of them. But they wanted me, the person in charge of the wine selection to approach them, even though they were NEVER having wine from the premium selection. When I stopped to really think about it, they where actually right. The complain was lack of attention. That’s all. And it was true. Because I was busy with others. Even though they are not ‘special’ in my work place, I printed their complain and glued in my room wall and I still use it as motivation to be better. Motivation to improve myself. I’m always asking my waiters, my colleagues, my team: to be faster, to improve their skills and to be better every day. Why I shouldn’t take this as a constructive feedback too? Now, whey I don’t want to approach a client, I think about that paper in my wall, and my costumer who complained that they needed attention. And every day I go to my restaurant, I go with the will to talk with EVEY SINGLE GUEST. This is hospitality. 🥂 #selfimproovment #bebetterthanyesterday

#Culture has a profound impact on the workplace as it shapes employee behavior, drives engagement, and influences overall productivity. A positive culture fosters collaboration, innovation, and job satisfaction, leading to higher morale and retention rates. Conversely, a negative culture can result in low motivation, increased turnover, and decreased performance. Ultimately, workplace culture directly affects an organization's ability to achieve its goals and maintain a competitive edge. Great post Justin Wright!

Pizza Fridays are fun but they won't make your employees love going to work on Mondays. Let's slice into what really creates a great company culture. Before you worry about toppings, you have to start with the right base. 🍕 Trust is your dough. Without it, everything falls apart. 🍕 Respect is your sauce. Spread evenly, touching every piece. 🍕 Empathy? That's the cheese. It binds everything together, all warm and gooey. 🍕 Genuine caring adds the flavor. It makes every bite memorable. 🍕 Shared purpose is like that special topping everyone can agree on. 🍕 Psychological safety is a well-tended oven. It keeps the atmosphere warm, secure & welcoming. 🍕 Autonomy & flexibility are choosing your own slice. Like when work fits your life, not the other way around. 🍕 Putting your employees first? That sets the table for success. And just like the perfect pizza, building a great company culture takes time and the right ingredients. It’s not just about one element.  It’s about how they all come together. When your team feels valued and connected, they'll savor coming to work every single day. Enjoy this? Repost to share with others ♻️. And follow Justin Wright for more like this.

This right here 📌

Very creative, Justin Wright! Thanks for sharing this! Here's the one that inspired me to write: 🍕 Autonomy & flexibility are choosing your own slice. Like when work fits your life, not the other way around. It's been very interesting and really educational for me to see how the idea of autonomy has changed over time. From my encounters working with young entrepreneurs and professionals, I see them refining what "work-life balance" means and if it even ought to remain as a way of framing what autonomy and flexibility mean. Even the idea of putting the word 'work' and all that entails first in work-life balance seems to be under real examination as not enough to create opportunities for people to live rewarding lives *and* rewarding work. COVID and the global pandemic was horrible on every level. One of the lessons it seems to have taught business people - especially the Gen Y and Z folks - seems to be the realization that life can and should have more meaning than the work we're paid to do, and that working for people and companies who don't see them - and all of us - as whole persons are not the only places where opportunities exist. Put plainly, there's no good reason to work for sh*itty people in sh*tty jobs when companies led by more progressive and caring leaders are out there. As you've pointed out, Justin, leaders who thoughtfully and carefully choose the best ingredients for their pizza will have the best chances to attract and retain the people with the most to contribute. Thanks again for helping us all to see what those ingredients are, Justin! #leadership #culture #servantleadership

The other waitress stole my tips each shift I was 18 - I was furious - here’s what I did: Absolutely nothing! For context: In those days in 1998 I had zero assertiveness skills. She was in her mid 20s, stood at the bar chatting a regular punter - her mate. I ran around serving tables, taking orders, and pulling pints too. Then I noticed she’d slip up to a table just as the customers were leaving, pop the tip in her pocket, then disguise her theft by clearing one plate away to the kitchen. She’d return to her old man chat - leaving me to clear away the rest. This happened week in week out. I was furious, but back then… I was too scared to say anything. Here’s what’s significant - to avoid the conflict - I played it down. “Im not that bothered, it’s only a few quid, not the end of the world is it”. But I wasn’t being honest I was actually really pi*sed off. But telling others I wasn’t annoyed meant I didn’t have to confront it. Can you see how this plays out in the corporate space all the time? You get annoyed at: - Someone gaslighting you - Someone withholding work - Someone speaking down to you - Someone constantly dragging their feet in a project But you say nothing. Instead you think: ~ Don’t want to rock the boat! ~ They’re quicker than you! ~ What if you’re wrong? ~ It’s the wrong timing! So nothing changes. It happens more. These little things build up. So people sit and seethe in silence. Everyone is so worried about looking disruptive. So we condition ourselves to keep quiet. Yet all along under the guise of: “It doesn’t really bother me. It’s ok. Not the end of the world” I’m calling Bullshit 🙏❤️ I see and hear it all the time (in life not just client calls). Too many people are lying to themselves about how they feel about day to day things because they don’t have the skills manage it. Learn how to speak your mind while also defusing the tension. It’s easier than it sounds. So be honest…. How much that you claim “doesn’t bother you”, is it actually an excuse you use to avoid taking action on something? I’m only a DM away if you’re ready to change that. #confidence #coach #leadership

Creating a great workplace culture requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond the essentials. Justin Wright's insightful post highlights, the real ingredients for a thriving work environment include trust, respect, empathy, and genuine care for employees. It's essential to prioritise psychological safety, autonomy, and a shared sense of purpose. Permit me to add some additional key elements: 🍕 Continuous Learning and Development: Investing in employees' growth through training, workshops, and mentorship programs not only enhances their skills but also shows that the organisation is committed to their long-term success. 🍕 Transparent Communication: Open and honest communication at all levels fosters trust and ensures that everyone is aligned with the company's goals and values. Regular updates and feedback loops can help create a more cohesive and motivated team. 🍕 Recognition and Rewards: Acknowledging and celebrating achievements, both big and small, can significantly boost morale and motivation. Implementing a robust recognition program can make employees feel appreciated and valued. #WorkplaceCulture #Leadership #EmployeeEngagement #HRBestPractices