>> Why We Have This Emotion
Belonging signals a safe social setting and strong relationships. It encourages us to collaborate. It lets us relax, learn more easily, and it strengthens our commitment to shared goals.
◎ What to do in the moment
Good Ideas
- Lean in and participate with others
- Offer help on a shared task
- Invite others into the conversation
- Show curiosity about others’ stories
- Check in when someone is absent
- Reaffirm group values you appreciate
- Keep ties in more than one group
Bad Ideas
- Change your core values just to fit in
- Assume your connection is fragile
- Exclude or mock others to feel closer
- Overperform to “earn” your spot
- Depend on just one social group
- Treat disagreement as betrayal
- Pressure others to conform