To hold oneself together can be either an exciting or challenging activity (or both), depending on the circumstances.

I have been inspired to write this article because I think that it is one of those things in organizations that is not discussed often enough. I have observed that “holding yourself together” and “holding your own” has been left to individual solutions and is rarely discussed as a strategy to be employed by the group. My quest to bring it to the discussion forum is to explore different experiences with a view of suggesting helpful solutions.

First, what do I mean by “smile and wave”? May I propose the following;

(a)  Keeping the peace

(b)  Holding back your instinctive (and sometimes impulsive) response to something

(c)  Saving an outburst for a later and safer time

(d)  Being painstakingly polite

(e)  Seeming calm when your heart is racing

Can you relate? The above list is obviously not exhaustive.

After an engagement in the organization, have you heard a colleague say;

“Oh, my…if that were a boxing ring, I would have thrown some hooks and punches to end the game in a knockout! I was livid but because it was in a meeting, I had to restrain myself to the extent that I had to express thanks for being attacked and apologize for something that I was not responsible for…!”

That’s what I refer to as the “smile and wave”.

As actors in corporate governance and business as a whole, there is a general understanding that conduct in the workplace must be ethical and this extends to communication and interaction at different levels. The corporate as a juristic person, does not possess human feelings of emotion and therefore, as we perform our respective roles, it is important to consider it as a fundamental principle. Whereas there could be different modes of communication that may be characteristic of human nature in the operations of an organisation, at the end of the day, what the corporate requires to assure its continued existence and relevance to its share owners, are the hard facts of the decision, guidance, directive and so on …period. It is business, isn’t it?

Reconciling the principles alluded to above is a matter that involves the employment of a number of interventions which range from personal development to teamwork and strategy. I invite you to indulge the fact that your personality and how you use your traits has a significant role to play when the spotlight is on you to deliver a response or take action.

As a team, I have found it helpful to find a space during group interactions to speak candidly about experiences and hear from others how they handled similar situations. A strategy that assures protection of team members through a carefully thought out set of overt actions and responses to the common challenges faced, with a hand over and escalation process can be developed. This way, team members develop confidence in the structures and they will be more comfortable dealing with potentially unsettling situations. I find that being clear as to when it is opportune for one to smile and wave on the one hand, and respectfully insist on a view and practically hold their own to protect the integrity of the submission and that of the individuals and team, on the other, is a healthy approach and one of the ways to a solution.

The “smile and wave” is a strategy, but it is the way that it is rolled out that makes the difference between it being effective or just an uncomfortable exercise. It cannot be mere plastic. Actors must have a clear understanding that it is a justifiable means to achieve the goal. Eyes on the ball, as they say!

Next time we smile and wave, perhaps we should interrogate why it may be necessary for us to do so.

Thank you!