Seeking Comfort

Being comfortable is something human beings strive for.

Tempurpedic beds.

Expensive shoes with comfort delivery systems.

Air conditioning and heating.

On-demand entertainment and media service.

Heck, I even use my Peleton App in my own basement so I can bike in the comfort of my own home and sweat in the comfort of my own solitude!

The trouble is, comfortable at work means we might be actively maintaining the status quo, or worse, avoiding getting better because of the pain it may take to get there. 

We may avoid challenging a mediocre outcome to avoid making the team that churned it out, uncomfortable…but what if they want to improve? What if they want your honest feedback? What if they feel stuck because no one gives them the opportunity to improve by being real?

We may avoid asking for genuine feedback, opting instead to remain comfortable, even when we know it’s not our best work.

We may lean on the “best company to work for” awards because they feel (and look) good, instead of challenging the broken parts of the HR systems we work in. 

Want a different outcome? Invite uncomfortable conversations. Be curious with a mindset of learning and growth. Assume the best intent.. 

Remember: uncomfortable does not equal harsh, mean, hurtful. Uncomfortable can mean clear, open, kind and detailed conversations. Done right, it equates speaking with another human about a topic that doesn’t come easily, but is highly worthwhile.