Rituals Roadmap

About the Author

Erica Keswin is a best-selling author, internationally sought-after speaker, and founder of the Spaghetti Project, a roving ritual devoted to sharing the science and stories of relationships at work. She helps top-of-the-class businesses, organizations, and individuals improve their performance by honoring relationships in every context, always with an eye toward high-tech for human touch. Erica was named one of Marshall Goldsmith’s Top 100 Coaches in 2020, as well as one of Business Insider’s most innovative coaches of 2020.

Main Idea

The main idea of "Rituals Roadmap: The Human Way to Transform Everyday Routines into Workplace Magic" is to explore how rituals can transform everyday routines into meaningful practices that foster engagement, productivity, and a sense of belonging within the workplace. Keswin combines scientific research with practical examples from companies like Adobe, LinkedIn, and KIND to demonstrate the power of rituals in driving business success and creating a connected, inspired work environment.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: The Power of Rituals
2. Don’t Stop Believin’: A Business Case for Rituals
3. Rituals: Tools of the Human Workplace
4. All Aboard: Rituals for Recruiting, Hiring, and Onboarding
5. March Through the Arch: Rituals for Beginnings
6. Meetings: Rituals for Gatherings That Matter
7. Eatings: Rituals for the Most Important Meal of the Day
8. Rituals for Taking Professional Development Personally
9. The No-Smoke Break: Rituals for Taking a Breather
10. We See You: Rituals for Recognizing and Rewarding
11. Design Your Own Roadmap

Introduction: The Power of Rituals

Rituals have always been a significant part of human culture, marking important life experiences such as weddings, funerals, and graduations. In the workplace, however, they hold an equally transformative power. Keswin starts by emphasizing that rituals are not just repetitive actions but intentional acts that convey meaning and foster a sense of community.

"The transformational power of rituals lies in both our intention and how these activities make us feel. Rituals are rituals because they mean something to the people enacting them." - Erica Keswin

Don’t Stop Believin’: A Business Case for Rituals

In a world where technology has enabled constant connectivity, the risk of loneliness and isolation has increased, affecting both individuals and businesses. Keswin presents a strong business case for rituals by highlighting their impact on employee engagement, productivity, and overall workplace culture. Gallup's research shows that only 35 percent of employees are engaged, emphasizing the need for meaningful connections in the workplace.

"Technology has changed absolutely everything about the world of work as we know it. In the midst of all this hyper-connection... one of the biggest health risks facing our country is—loneliness and isolation." - Erica Keswin

Rituals: Tools of the Human Workplace

Rituals play a crucial role in maintaining group cohesion and improving social connections. They are cost-effective yet yield significant benefits such as increased cooperation, social cohesion, and perceived social support. Keswin introduces the concept of the Three Ps—Psychological Safety, Purpose, and Performance—as the foundation of effective rituals.

"Rituals are so impactful because they harness two of the core elements every human needs to succeed: psychological safety (or a sense of belonging) and purpose. When we feel psychologically safe and connected to a purpose, our performance improves." - Erica Keswin

All Aboard: Rituals for Recruiting, Hiring, and Onboarding

Recruiting and onboarding are critical phases where rituals can set the tone for the entire employee experience. Keswin shares examples from companies like Zappos and Adobe, where simple yet meaningful rituals make new hires feel welcomed and valued from day one.

• Preboarding with rituals: Zappos picks up potential hires at the airport, engaging them in conversations and evaluating their fit based on core values like humility.
• Day one rituals: Adobe's "Kickbox" provides new employees with tools and incentives to start contributing ideas, creating a sense of purpose and engagement.

March Through the Arch: Rituals for Beginnings

Beginnings, whether it's the start of a new job or the beginning of the day, are powerful moments that can be elevated through rituals. These rituals help create transitions and set a positive tone for the day or a new phase in an employee's journey.

• Opening ceremonies: For remote workers, personal rituals can delineate home from work, such as a grounding ritual where team members share gratitude, pride, and struggles.
• Bookending rituals: Northwestern University's march through the arch ritual for new students fosters a sense of belonging and connection.

Meetings: Rituals for Gatherings That Matter

Meetings are a staple of workplace interactions, but they often lack engagement and purpose. Keswin suggests incorporating rituals to make meetings more meaningful and effective.

• Have a purpose: Meetings should have a clear and focused purpose, transforming them from mere assemblies to gatherings that drive action and connection.
• Invite presence: Rituals like chiming in and out can help participants be present mentally and spiritually, enhancing engagement and psychological safety.

Eatings: Rituals for the Most Important Meal of the Day

Shared meals are powerful rituals that foster social connections and improve team performance. Keswin provides examples of companies that have elevated simple meals into cherished rituals.

• Motley Fool’s Pizza Friday: This ritual involves ordering pizzas from multiple local joints, creating excitement and a sense of community.

Rituals for Taking Professional Development Personally

Professional development is more impactful when it feels personal. Keswin highlights LinkedIn's InDay as a prime example of a ritual that bridges personal and professional growth.

• LinkedIn’s InDay: Employees take a day off each month for personal-professional development, engaging in activities like mindfulness and dance classes.

The No-Smoke Break: Rituals for Taking a Breather

Breaks are essential for replenishing energy and creativity. Keswin suggests turning ordinary breaks into meaningful rituals that promote connection and rejuvenation.