Biologically speaking, humans are nothing but animals. The baser instincts that are an integral part of us kept us alive for many generations. However, in the modern work environment some of these human instincts do not serve us but hamper our performance.
Being aware of those aspects is the first step towards a better workplace. Read about three of them and note whether you, like me, are guilty of following your baser instincts sometimes.Three human instincts to fight in your work lifeBeing aware of those aspects is the first step towards a better workplace. Read about three of them and note whether you, like me, are guilty of following your baser instincts sometimes.
Fight the instinct to surround yourself only with similar people
Our natural instinct is to seek the company of people that are like us. We get along best with others that are likeminded and have the same character traits.
But be careful not to continue this pattern in your professional life. It is a well-known fact that diverse teams are the most successful ones. Team members with personalities different from your own can contribute different things than you.
An ideal team, for instance, contains a mix of personality types. Refer for example to the DISC personality test to find out more about your own characteristic traits. At the same time study the other categories and consider how their perspective would enrich a team.
Fight the instinct to put most of your attention towards your favorite tasks
It is very natural to prefer doing your favorite work tasks. Every sentient being seeks pleasure and tries to avoid pain. Every occupation comprises tasks you like unloved tasks. It is a common mistake, to address your favorite tasks very well but neglect the unloved tasks.
How to motivate yourself to tackle the unpopular work packages? Consider this: Often, neglecting those detested tasks casts a shadow on all your good and hard work you did on your favorite projects. Don’t let that happen.
Suppress the instinct to act in deference to authority
Deference to authority is hard wired in our human brain. With some of us more than with others. A certain degree of subordination helped small hunter-gatherer groups to survive in the old ages. Even so, it does not always help us in modern working life.
Despite this, company structures often foster deference to authority. Admittedly, a certain level of subordination can be necessary in some jobs. But, in the usual corporate environment you are not doing your managers any favors by holding back on your thoughts or opinions. These are valuable contributions he or she urgently needs to do his or her job well.