How the coming togetherness of people will help you reach new business heights
Over the past decade, Owen Eastwood, author of ‘Belonging - The Ancient Art of Togetherness’ has worked with some of the most elite teams and groups across the globe, including Gareth Southgate's England Football team, the Command Group of NATO, the South African Cricket Team, corporate leadership teams, elite ballet and the British Olympic team to name just a few – and at the Alchemists Forum, we place huge emphasis on coming together as equals to build greater enduring companies.
Owen adopts Whakapapa, a Maori idea which embodies our universal human need to belong, to get organisations to reach the highest levels of success. After reading his book, we think he makes a few exceptionally good points. The Alchemists Forum embraces the human need to belong and serves as medium to allow all business leaders from various paths to come together as equals, to help and encourage each other to make greater decisions, inspire greater thinking and achieve greater performance. Together, at the Alchemists Forum, each member builds strong relationships through dialogue, learning and enjoyment that enables each of to thrive and achieve full potential –wholly embracing the teachings Eastwood has implemented across some of the most elite groups in the world.
Whakapapa represents a powerful spiritual belief, that each of us is part of an unbroken and unbreakable chain of people who share a sacred identity and culture. At the Alchemists Forum we place this concept at the core of our methods to maximize performance across all levels of our personal and business life. This ethos is what has made Owen Eastwood one of the most in-demand performance coaches in the world.
A shared vision
To reach new business heights and succeed beyond your wildest dreams you must consider both the biology and psychology of togetherness, fear vs challenge mentality, and follow a clear path to success.
According to Eastwood, having a shared vision is vital for success. A shared vision has got curated very carefully as it is what aligns everyone in the group. At the end of the day, your shared vision is what everyone signs up for and that’s what paves the way for success. It is fascinating that so many elite groups of leaders across the globe, in various industries, are still not 100% clear on what they’re trying to do. One thing is clear, they know they want to win, but the actual depth and richness of the vision has not been curated.
The Alchemist’s Forum is built upon a foundation of equality. There is no hierarchy in our groups. We come together as equals, sharing the same vision to help each other build greater enduring companies and make greater decisions, inspire greater thinking, and achieve greater performance, enabling each member to thrive and achieve their full potential.
The importance of belonging
As individuals, when we feel a sense of belonging, we give 110%. Research shows that people who feel a sense of belonging will totally immerse themselves into their job role, and the tasks required of them. They will actively take an interest in the people around them and the work they are doing and share their vision.
When an individual feels as though they don’t belong, by nature they become anxious, lack confidence, and become distracted. Individuals will become concerned with the micro signaling of the people, around them, specifically you, as their leader and often want to fade into the background.
Individuals who have a strong sense of belonging will exude confidence, they will show vulnerability and put their hands up when they make a mistake – which will inevitably happen, after all, we are all human beings.
As a leader, when your team and those around you feel a strong sense of belonging, your business success will skyrocket. It is your job to treat those around you with humility and respect, to endevour to enhance the lives of those under your leadership, rather than causing them heartache, pain and anxiety. Eastwood teaches that as leaders, if you deem a person as ‘not good enough’ –help them, encourage them and educate them. By doing this, your team will come together and share your vision.
Your pathway to success
As a member of the Alchemists Forum, you will have access to an elite and inspirational environment with enlightened leadership. We provide business owners with shared knowledge allowing them to find their sense of purpose, motivation, and a unique environment to flourish in.
If you are a business owner and leader who is committed to building a greater enduring company and make greater decisions, inspire greater thinking, and achieve greater performance then please contact our Chair Alan: alan@alchemistsforum.com.