We are members in a lot of different ways--families, companies, gyms, softball teams, circles of friends, hobby clubs, unions, charitable organizations, and local religious congregations. Membership in social groups can boost our sense of identity because people take pride in and derive meaning from group memberships that are important to them.

There are some groups with a high barrier to entry. Where the harder we have to fight for something, the more precious it becomes. Somehow, in sacrificing, we prove to ourselves that what we're after is valuable. For example, golf clubs create a high barrier to entry by requiring high annual dues. Navy seal training creates a high barrier to entry by requiring mental and physical toughness.

Sacrifice is linked to membership. Making it through rigorous selection standards and working to prove their worthiness, people convince themselves that being a part of the group matters.

Some organizations abuse these ideas, dangling carrots off a long stick with no intention of making good on promises. They create a set of initiation rites building commitment to the group by making acceptance hard to come by--continually frustrating the process through underhanded practices.

When joining a group, the criterion should be clear. Joining any group can be something special--an achievement and a privilege--if the people entering and the people managing it don't lose themselves in the process.

Belonging (in any group) is when you feel safe and valued for embracing what makes you unique. It's natural to experience self-doubt at work. Converting that energy into further worry leaves people feeling more alienated and alone. Turning that worry into constructive work brings us back into feeling included. With effective membership, it’s incredibly important for people to be inspired by one another, to look one another in the eye and see goodness rather than merely an obstacle to our own agenda.

Initiating people into groups comes down to welcoming, mentoring, and sustaining progress toward challenging goals—always. It takes effort, energy and mental discipline. Moving from "me-ness" to "we-ness" comes from having shared everyday struggles, requiring us to be vulnerable with one another. This identification with the group feeds dedication.

Having a sense of belonging doesn't mean work will be easy—it means the normal ups and downs of your job won't cause you quite so much stress. Encourage people to share their experiences (good and bad) to help everyone realize that emotional ups and downs are part of the job and that you can go through painful periods but still belong.

People get shuffled. Repositioned. Assigned to different bosses and new work groups.
Many employees end up in jobs they didn’t apply for, and don’t really know that they want. Unsure about whether they even care to be part of the new scheme of things, they keep their dedication on hold
Force the issue.
Be welcoming, mentor everyone, and sustain progress, and dedication comes naturally.

To perform well while under pressure, we need to develop habits to work more effectively. Making the right decisions, engaging with others effectively, learning to manage our own emotions takes practice.

Driving Dedication During Change: A pocket guide for becoming an effective linchpin enables you with all the tools and tactics you need to make your interactions less stressful and more effective.