Wellbeing at the Museum Starts with Us
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I am convinced, that well-being at a museum has to start with the well-being of the people working for the museum. The people who are the core of the museum. If we are not feeling well, how are we supposed to make others feel well? “Happy mom, happy kids.” Shall be translated to “Happy Museum teams, happy visitors.”
Talk held at the MuseumNext: MUSEUMS, HEALTH & WELLBEING SUMMIT, 31 January — 2 February 2022
I am convinced, that well-being at a museum has to start with the well-being of the people working for the museum. The people who are the core of the museum. If we are not feeling well, how are we supposed to make others feel well? “Happy mom, happy kids.” Shall be translated to “Happy Museum teams, happy visitors.”
I promote the idea to define museums as workspaces, where each and every individual should feel seen, valued, and supported in their own organization, where each and every individual with their characteristics, talents, and goals can show themselves and contribute. I promote the museum as a space for fulfillment at the workplace. That demands radical honesty: Am I doing what makes me flow? Am I working at the right end?
When we all contribute authentically, our organisation will develop strengthened and authentically, and all its partners will benefit from it.
Three aspects shall be discussed in detail. These aspects shall be illustrated with examples and self-coaching tools. So please have a paper or pen, or a notes tool ready.
Aspect One: As individuals, we should dare to be a TALL POPPY, the emblematic high poppy, which grows beyond the structures of our organization. We should not stay in the box, that was offered to us with our job description, or that we build for ourselves over the course of. We should not be afraid to show ourselves. This requires an appreciative atmosphere in which the various roles of all employees can be renegotiated.
Aspect Two: We should dare to establish JOMO (The Joy of Missing Out). Let’s stand as individuals for our individual needs and perspectives…
