How Childhood Shows Up in the Workplace

When we think of the workplace, childhood isn’t something that comes to mind. However, the reality is your childhood identity stays with you. It determines how we show up at work and interact with our colleagues. It’s a topic we need to pay attention to.

The new generation is surging in the corporate world. One factor that separates them a part has to do with diagnosing. Starting in the 1990’s and 2000’s diagnosing conditions became more prevalent. Like anything in this world, that comes with both pros and cons. The positive is that receiving an actual diagnosis is validating. Back in the day, these kids were chalked off as being “lazy”, “dumb” “bad” or “weird.” Now we have more explanations for these struggles that show up during childhood and at school.

The negative is that it can make someone’s whole identity. I can’t tell you how many people feel like their classification 100% defines who they are. Back in the ‘00s, the kids in special education classes didn’t experience a whole lot of inclusion. It caused many of them to feel separate from their peers. A lot of times this caused them to have low self-esteem. The sediment of this stays with you in adulthood and can show up at work. It’s a slippery slope that leaders need to be aware of.

We are experiencing a clash in society and the workplace now. We have outdated and evolved perspectives showing up, both presenting different concerns. This is why ongoing and powerful conversations are key to positive change! We need to continue staying informed and listening to different generation’s experiences.