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AFMC Connect March focus: Belonging

  • Published
  • By Estella Holmes, Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs

Throughout 2021, Airmen and leaders have glimpsed the commitment of AFMC to cultivating a trusting environment where Airmen are valued for their contributions to the mission. Members have a sense of belonging and feel they are a part of something important.

The AFMC connect theme for March 2021 is belonging, which is a crucial component in building a productive and efficient workplace. Members who trust that they are valued and feel they add value to the organization have a sense of being part of a collective team.

Common experiences cement teams, and everyone benefits when members feel they are a part of tasks which are important to the whole team. Workers who develop relationships within an organization are less susceptible to the challenges and stressors which can rob organizations of productivity.

Leaders are provided tools through the AFMC Connect to facilitate discussions during group interactions. Open, genuine discussion about the sense of belonging might take the form of questions like:

1. What does belonging in the workplace mean to you?

2. What makes you feel that you belong?

3. What are the similarities/differences between your work relationships and your family/friend relationships?

4. What would improve your work relationships?

5. What is one thing you can do to contribute in your team’s success?

A sense of belonging is a critical starting point for the creation of a more supportive culture. Opportunities for discussing a member’s sense of belonging within an organization can occur during staff meetings and commander’s calls. Even two or three co-workers gathered around the water fountain could be the impetus to strengthen connections.

More information can be found in the implementation guide for facilitating discussion on belonging along with local support sources at https://www.afmc.af.mil/Portals/13/AFMC%20Connect%20-%20BELONGING%20%28MAR%29.pdf

The objective of the AFMC Connect is to reinforce the importance of Airmen remaining connected and to encourage getting help early when a problem arises.