Reflections on Belonging: How Revisiting My Origins Is Shaping My Approach to Teamwork and Leadership

I'm currently halfway through reading one of the most impactful books I've ever read (I'll share the title and author once I've finished it although I'm sure some of you will be able to work it out). I have heard it mentioned in a couple of podcasts and was recommended it recently by my good friend Dave Pounds

As well as influencing how I approach many of the sessions I run in future - particularly those focussed on teams - the messages I've picked up from it have got me reflecting on my own personal origin story. This was brought into sharp focus during a day off with my wife this week when we took a trip to Rockfield Studios near Monmouth and got to stand in the very rooms where some of the music that has shaped my life was conceived and brought to life - something that had an almost overwhelming effect on both of us.  

We then visited one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen - Symonds Yat, somewhere I last visited on a school trip some 45 years ago. It was everything I remembered it to be and also brought so many childhood memories flooding back.

These experiences reminded me of the importance of understanding where we come from and how our personal history shapes who we are today. Just as a great piece of music or a stunning landscape can evoke powerful emotions, so too can reflecting on our origins offer clarity and purpose in both our personal and professional lives.  

In the same way that these connections to the past can be grounding, they also fuel a sense of belonging—a deep connection to something greater than ourselves. This is crucial not just in our personal lives but also in our work, especially when leading or being part of a team. Understanding and embracing the collective identity of a team, acknowledging each person's unique story, and weaving those narratives together can create a powerful sense of unity and purpose.  

These reflections have deepened my appreciation for the importance of belonging and connection, and I’m excited to bring these insights into my work, helping others find their own sense of place and shared purpose within their teams.

I’m looking forward to sharing more as I continue to delve deeper into these concepts and apply them in my life and work. Stay tuned for more insights and, of course, the details of this incredible book that’s inspiring so much of this reflection. I might even share the significance of the wall and the piano!