Unlocking human potential within organizations requires a holistic approach and a focus on whole-person development. In episode 5 of the Always Learning podcast, Mike Sweeney, Chief Strategy Officer at RallyBright, discussed these themes with Jeremy Berman, co-founder and CEO of Dream See Do.
Whole-person development integrates both personal and professional growth, ensuring that employees are well-rounded and fulfilled. In the episode, Jeremy emphasized, “Heart-centered leaders and practitioners collaborate to provide what we call whole-person development for the future of work.” This approach not only enhances individual satisfaction but also boosts overall team performance. When employees feel they are growing both personally and professionally, they are more likely to be engaged and productive. Perhaps this is a statement of the obvious, but unfortunately there are so many factors that can get in the way of this type of nurturing work environment. Jeremy and Mike unpack several of these during their open, heartfelt and honest conversation.
One of these key areas, is that career progression should be purposeful. As Mike shared, “I don't want to have one year repeated 20 times.” Instead of repeating the same experiences, seek out opportunities that offer new challenges and growth. Mike reflected, "Each move was purposeful… Some of them have been risks and (some) following my heart." This mindset encourages continuous learning and keeps your career trajectory dynamic and fulfilling. Mike’s recounting of his own journey highlights how diverse experiences help people become more innovative and adaptable, which are crucial traits in today’s rapidly changing work environment.
It's also important to recognize and address the "curse of knowledge," where experienced individuals may struggle to relate to beginners. Mike emphasized that "everyone's approaching it at a different time." Leaders should be patient and create inclusive learning environments that accommodate different experience levels. Personalized learning environments can significantly enhance the learning outcomes of individuals at different stages of their careers.
Managing distraction and overwhelm in the workplace is another key element covered in this episode. The conversation surfaced how people often struggle to find time for what matters most, whether it's family or skill-building. Mike observed, "People don't seem to have the time for the things that matter the most to them." Both Jeremy and Mike agreed that there are innumerable ways that organizations can help their teams find this much needed space. One such example is by fostering environments that prioritize meaningful engagement with practices like mindfulness.
Another important topic from this episode is that facilitated, shared experiences can play a critical role in fostering a culture of practice and reflection. Jeremy shared an inspiring example from a hackathon, highlighting how participants, despite their varying levels of experience, came together to create innovative ideas. He noted, "In three hours, people created amazing ideas, getting out of their comfort zones and coming together across disciplines." This illustrates the power of immersive experiences in driving teamwork and creativity.
As the Podcast wound down Jeremy and Mike began to discuss Dream See Do’s CPR Flywheel™ learning model, and how in order to support continuous improvement, it behooves leaders to implement longitudinal learning experiences centered around Connection, Practice, and Reflection (the three core pillars of this model). This approach ensures ongoing engagement and development, rather than relying on one-off training sessions. Jeremy explained how they adopted these pillars years ago, which organically grew into DSD’s digitally native model. They both noted that continuous learning programs that emphasize these elements lead to improved skill retention and application compared to traditional training methods.
Unlocking human potential in organizations involves a holistic approach that integrates personal and professional growth, encourages purposeful career moves, addresses knowledge gaps, manages workplace distractions, and fosters a culture of continuous practice and reflection. By focusing on these elements, leaders can create thriving, innovative, and inclusive workplaces. The integration of these practices not only enhances individual fulfillment but also drives organizational success, fostering environments where everyone can achieve their full potential.