‍In 2015, LaPD Solutions created the term “Moccasin Manager^®” and shortly after that, in 2016, the “Moccasin Approach^®” was created. 

‍The name was taken from a phrase that is often attributed to Native American origin. The phrase comes in many variations but in short it is, “Walk two moons in another persons moccasins before you judge them”.

‍Our research shows that the original source was taken from a poem called “Judge Softly,” written by Mary T. Lathrap in 1895 (Click here to read). The poem suggests that we should see things through the eyes of others first before judging.

‍Irrespective of its origins, we have embraced the concept and integrated it into our understanding of Emotional Intelligence (EI) as the primary approach to all human communication and interaction. Whether one is a leader, a manager, a peer, or a subordinate, the Moccasin Approach^® is not bound by hierarchy, position, title or role.

‍It is designed to ensure clean unbiased communication which is not contaminated (unclean) by inaccuracies often due to people hiding what they wish to say. This clean communication is critical to creating and maintaining a psychologically safe and emotionally intelligent organisational culture where all employees feel safe to speak their minds on any topics. 

‍When we make a conscious effort to see things from the perspective of others before communicating with them, we may well see things differently and, therefore, speak, act and approach the person and the situation differently. We will do so due to our better understanding and empathy for that person’s perspective. In some cases, we may even decide to chat with a different person altogether based on our findings and considerations. However, there has to be a balance between what that person prefers, what we prefer, and what the organisation requires. Employees are employed to do the job the organisation is paying them to do. 

‍If you know me you will know that I am autistic and an active advocate to helping with neurodiversity awareness through talks and awareness day sessions. The Moccasin Approach is a must have tool for all employees of any organisation in any industry if that organisation is truly invested in ensuring that all colleagues, whether they are neurodiverse (ND) or neurotypical (NT), are equipped to communicate with and support each other.  

‍To change a culture and move people from defensive, harmful, or sabotage tendencies to a more positive, sharing, and collaborative approach, we need to identify what your organisation sees as “Core Values.” We need to clarify what behaviours the organisation expects its people to demonstrate daily. People must live by those values and behaviours to change the culture positively. 

‍Our Moccasin Approach-based programmes are the transformative catalyst your company needs, ushering in a positive cultural shift and a performance enhancement worthy of celebration. 

‍Our Moccasin Approach thinking is applied in all the developmental workshops and programmes we facilitate and includes numerous aspects and nuances and used within:

‍Leadership & Management, Emotional Intelligence, Psychological Safety, Teaching/Training/Coaching, Performance Management, “Clean” Communication, Change Management, Time Management and even giving presentations. 

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‍If this concept interests you, please get in touch with us, and Sophie will set up a call to discuss your requirements. We are confident that our Moccasins will fit you just fine, so ask us for an informal chat over a coffee or two. 

‍If you are one of the many budget cursed organisations we assist, we offer a “Season Ticket” option, where organisations can pick and choose their desired content as they move through our programme at a reduced rate. 

‍We directly fund our registered charity, FLOW through the work we do.  

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