Have you ever found yourself feeling like just another cog in the machine, where the institution's needs always come before your own? Does the rigidity of hierarchy and the relentless push to meet targets leave you feeling unheard and undervalued? These are all too familiar scenarios in many organizations today.
At OF/BY/FOR ALL, we believe in flipping this script by prioritizing people over institutions. This isn't just a slogan for us; it's the heartbeat of how we operate and interact every single day. Institutions, in our view, should exist to support, uplift, and provide resources for the incredible work that people do. They are here to serve the individuals within them, not the other way around. Let's explore what it truly means to prioritize people over institutions and how this shapes everything we do at OF/BY/FOR ALL.
The Role of Institutions
Okay, let’s be real—institutions are essential. They give us structure, resources, and a sense of stability. However, they are not without flaws and should not be seen as the ultimate objective. Organizations, including ours, don’t define the people who work for or with them. Instead, they should adapt to meet the needs of their members. When a process or practice starts to harm the people doing the work, our first move is to change the process, not the person. This way, we always keep the well-being of individuals front and center.
When Institutions Steal the Spotlight
To understand why we hold this value so dearly, let's look at what happens when institutions are prioritized over the people within them. We’ve all seen or experienced this:
- Rigid Hierarchies: In many organizations, rigid hierarchies stifle creativity and innovation. People are often afraid to speak up or share new ideas because they fear repercussions or simply feel unheard. This creates a stagnant work environment where progress is slow, and morale is low. Have you ever felt unable to share your ideas openly due to rigid hierarchies in your workplace?
- Burnout Culture: When the focus is solely on meeting targets, deadlines, and maintaining a certain image, employees often end up overworked and undervalued. This culture of burnout leads to high turnover rates, mental health issues, and a significant drop in productivity. Have you experienced burnout or felt undervalued in a work environment focused solely on targets and deadlines?
- Lack of Flexibility: Traditional institutions can be slow to adapt to the changing needs of their employees. Whether it’s inflexible work hours, outdated policies, or lack of support for remote work, this rigidity can make it difficult for employees to balance their personal and professional lives, leading to dissatisfaction and disengagement. Have you struggled with inflexible policies that made it hard to balance your work and personal life?
- Ignoring Individual Strengths: When institutions prioritize policies and procedures over people, they often overlook the unique strengths and talents of their employees. This not only limits the innovation potential but also makes employees feel like mere just laborers rather than valued contributors. Have you ever felt that your unique strengths and talents were overlooked in favor of rigid policies and procedures?
Empowering Our Team
At OF/BY/FOR ALL, every team member has the freedom to shape their processes and set boundaries that align with our goals and timelines. This empowerment is key. When people feel they have control over how they work, they’re more engaged, productive, and happy. Plus, this sense of autonomy sparks innovation and creativity, allowing team members to come up with solutions that play to their unique strengths.
Community Agreements
Our dedication to prioritizing people is also reflected in our Community Agreements. While these agreements help guide our work with other organizations, they also inspire how we work with each other. They’re a constant reminder of our shared values and the behaviors we expect from one another.
Putting Principles into Practice
So, how do we make this principle a reality at OF/BY/FOR ALL? Here are some tangible ways we ensure that people come first:
Adjusting Project Scale, Scope, or Deadlines
We get it—everyone has limits. If the workload becomes too much, we adjust the project’s scale, scope, or deadline. This flexibility helps prevent burnout and maintains high-quality work. It also shows our team that their well-being is more important than sticking to rigid timelines.
Establishing Consent and Checking In
Consent is crucial in any collaborative effort. At the start of a project, we make sure everyone is on board and schedule regular check-ins to see how things are going. This keeps everyone engaged and enthusiastic throughout the project.
Redefining Roles and Responsibilities
Projects change, and so do roles. We’re not afraid to redefine responsibilities as needed. This adaptability helps us respond to new challenges and ensures everyone is working in a way that suits their current skills and workload.
Asking About Capacity and Support
We regularly ask questions like, “Do you have the capacity to complete this?” or “Is there something you need to help you succeed?” These questions show we care about each other’s well-being and are ready to offer support when needed.
Communicating Limitations and Needs
Honesty and vulnerability are crucial for effective communication. We encourage team members to openly share their limitations, boundaries, and needs. This transparency helps prevent misunderstandings and keeps everyone on the same page.
Transparency in Decision-Making
Transparency isn’t just a buzzword for us—it’s a practice. We strive to make our decision-making processes as open as possible and increase transparency whenever it’s requested. This builds trust and fosters a collaborative environment.
Addressing Power Imbalances
We’re keenly aware that power imbalances can affect project outcomes. We call out decisions where these imbalances might be at play and work to mitigate their impact. This ensures that all voices are heard and valued equally.
Respecting Boundaries
Respecting boundaries is non-negotiable. When someone says “no,” we honor that decision without coercion. This respect is fundamental to maintaining a healthy and supportive work environment.
The Impact
Prioritizing people over institutions has a profound impact on our organization. It creates a culture of respect, trust, and mutual support. People feel valued and understood, which boosts morale and productivity. This approach also attracts like-minded individuals who share our values, strengthening our organizational culture even further.
People First, Institutions Second
Prioritizing people over institutions isn't just a lofty ideal—it's the very fabric of our daily operations at OF/BY/FOR ALL. By continually adjusting project parameters and honoring individual boundaries, we place the well-being of our team at the forefront. This commitment fosters a supportive, innovative, and thriving workplace where every member feels valued and empowered. The result? An environment where creativity flourishes, collaboration thrives, and everyone benefits. Join us in this transformative approach and witness the profound impact it can have on your organization.
We invite you to adopt this ethic within your workplaces, institutions, and organizations. Take a moment to deeply assess your organizational priorities and consider the transformative steps you can take to ensure that your people always come first. Reflect on the impact of fostering an environment where individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to bring their best selves to their work. Imagine the innovation, creativity, and resilience that can flourish in such a setting.
Now, take that vision and turn it into action. Reevaluate your practices, encourage open communication, and create a culture where well-being and personal growth are paramount. By doing so, you contribute to building a future where institutions truly serve the people within them, fostering thriving, dynamic communities.