How do you create a sense of home in the place where you spend the second most amount of time in your life—work? That’s the central question explored in this episode of The Leadership Vision Podcast, as we unpack Chapter 5 (“Home”) from Dr. Linda and Brian Schubring’s book Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane.
In this chapter, the crane, OC, returns to her community transformed by flight. Her return sparks admiration, confusion, and resistance—much like what happens in teams when one member evolves. This metaphor invites reflection on how leaders and teams can foster an environment of safety, growth, and transformation.
What Does “Home” Mean in a Team Context?
For Brian, this chapter presented a challenge: “How do we create a sense of home in our second home—the workplace?”
He emphasizes that home doesn’t mean cozy furniture or framed needlepoint quotes. It means building an environment where people feel safe, valued, and connected—a place where purpose can flourish and individuality can thrive.
“Can leaders and teams create a place where we feel safety, belonging, and meaning—and where our life’s purpose can be fulfilled?” — Brian Schubring
Dr. Linda expands on this by asking us to reclaim the word home. The term can be loaded; not everyone associates “home” with comfort. Yet, she suggests leaders can redefine it—making work a place where people are grounded, inspired, and ready to grow.
“When you describe home, what kind of words do you use? Are they about people and relationships, or places and feelings? That perspective can ground a team.” — Dr. Linda Schubring
Growth Brings Disruption—and Opportunity
As OC returns home in the story, her growth disrupts the group dynamic. Brian and Linda note that this disruption mirrors what happens when someone in a team transforms—whether through personal development, new ideas, or bold leadership.
I tried to frame it like this: “When one member evolves, how can you create space for that growth to strengthen everyone?”
The answer: invite storytelling. When someone shares their journey—the ups, downs, and lessons—it allows the entire team to grow through shared reflection. It creates empathy, understanding, and collective movement.
“Ask that person to recount their story. Because we never know how others will respond when someone shares their story of growth—and that’s the invitation.” — Brian Schubring
A Healthy “Work Home” Is Built on Relationships
Linda and Brian emphasize that teams don’t need to mimic a family—but they can borrow the healthy patterns of family systems. A sense of predictability, trust, and refuge helps people take risks and be creative.
Linda notes that for her, home is not a physical place, but rather the people. “It’s being with those who know you, challenge you, and support you,” she says. For Brian, movement—running, biking, paddling, travel—is where he feels most at home. Together, they highlight that home looks different for everyone, yet every team can strive to create a space where people feel grounded and free to grow.
Knowing When It’s Time to Move On
Brian introduces another dimension: sometimes, a home no longer feels like a good fit. He uses the metaphor of neighborhoods—the broader systems surrounding teams. Some workplaces don’t have the “resources” to sustain the kind of growth a person needs. Recognizing that, and having the courage to move on, can be an act of wisdom rather than failure.
“We often outgrow our homes—and that’s okay. It’s part of our journey to reach the next home that supports our dreams.” — Brian Schubring
The Invitation: Build Homes That Help People Fly
A healthy team home doesn’t mean perfection. It’s a space where people can pause, launch, and grow—where safety and challenge coexist. Leaders play a vital role in shaping this environment by encouraging openness, embracing change, and recognizing when transformation occurs.
As Linda puts it, “Homes are both landing pads and launching pads.” The work home you create might be the place where someone discovers who they truly are—and helps others do the same.
Listen, Reflect, and Share
This episode invites leaders and teams to ask:
- What does home mean to me—and to us as a team?
- How can we create an environment of trust, belonging, and growth?
- When someone changes, do we make room for that transformation?
Listen to the whole conversation on The Leadership Vision Podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts, and explore Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane for deeper reflections.
About The Leadership Vision Podcast
The Leadership Vision Podcast is a weekly show sharing our expertise in the discovery, practice, and implementation of a strengths-based approach to people, teams, and culture. We believe that knowing your Strengths is only the beginning. Our highest potential exists in the ongoing exploration of our talents.
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