The Power of Being Seen
I recently received feedback from a webinar attendee that truly touched me:
"I attended the webinar you presented last night, and I think it was your best yet. I was brought to tears as I felt so seen by you. Thank you again for the way you support us all."
This feedback struck a chord, not just because of the generous and kind words but because it highlighted a powerful human truth — the deep need to be seen.
Whether in our professional or personal lives, being seen is an affirmation of our existence, value, and contribution.
Why is being seen important?
The sense of being seen is far more than just acknowledgment — it’s about being truly understood and valued for who we are.
In healthcare and helping professions, we expend a lot of energy truly seeing our clients, being present to their pain and suffering and supporting their challenges.
When emotional labour is high, the weight of being unseen or overlooked can accumulate, contributing to feelings of burnout and isolation.
Feeling seen, however, can act as an antidote, restoring our sense of worth and connection.
This isn't just about being seen by others, but also about the critical act of seeing ourselves.
Self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-recognition are essential in maintaining our wellbeing. It's in these moments of self-reflection that we reconnect with our purpose, acknowledge our efforts, and renew our energy to continue.
4 truths about being seen?
1. The desire to be seen is universal, and when we feel seen, it can have a profound emotional impact.
2. Being seen by others is crucial, but equally important is recognising and valuing ourselves.
3. In professional environments, where the demands can feel relentless, fostering a culture of recognition and validation can enhance individual and team wellbeing.
4. We can each play a role in ensuring our colleagues, clients, and even ourselves feel seen and valued.
It’s a bit like standing in front of a mirror and seeing yourself for the first time after a long day. We can be so ‘attention out’ we forget the ‘you’ that does all the work.
Through self-reflection, you recognise the effort you’ve put in, the emotions you've carried, and the work you've done. Just as the mirror shows your external self, feedback and recognition reflect your internal efforts and contributions.
The risks of not being seen
Without the experience of being seen, both by ourselves and others, we risk feeling invisible or undervalued. Over time, this can lead to disengagement, decreased motivation, and even burnout. In professions where we give so much to others, neglecting this need can create a dangerous cycle of emotional depletion.
Research has shown that employees who feel recognised are 2.7 times more likely to be engaged in their work and feel a sense of belonging. In healthcare and allied health sectors, where staff are often stretched thin, fostering a culture of recognition can enhance job satisfaction, reduce turnover, and support mental health.
What small steps can we take to create a culture where we see others and ourselves?
1. Offer Authentic Recognition: Make it a point to acknowledge the skills, strengths and potential of others.
2. Create Moments of Reflection: Encourage both individual and team reflections on achievements and challenges, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to feel seen.
3. Practice Self-Recognition: Take time at the end of each day to acknowledge your own skills and strengths. Make a list of 3 skills and strengths you used each day.
By intentionally fostering a culture where being seen is valued, we not only improve wellbeing but also create spaces where people thrive.
How do you contribute to truly seeing yourself and others?
In order to help our healthcare professionals continue to be ‘seen’, I have set up 3 more Caring Costs Webinars. Link in the button below.