Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success. – Henry Ford
I’ve been facing health issues recently. Over the years, I’ve seen our clients face not just health but family issues, death, divorce, and financial and other stresses that take their toll. Make no mistake – we all will face something at some point in this crazy thing called life. Isn’t it an amazing gift when we have no doubts that our workplace will have our back? I don’t know what I would do without the unwavering support from my Transform family – year in and year out. For going on 29 years, I can’t imagine not being alongside Theresa, and more recently, Tib and Chris. I also hear our clients share their stories of support and their heartfelt appreciation for that support.
Of course, that’s the big stuff, but what about the day-to-day? Great employees are actually worth their weight in gold. We all should know by now that they are a company’s biggest asset. With that in mind, how can we demonstrate our support for the daily stuff, so they know we will be there for the big stuff? Here are a few thoughts I have on the subject:
We need to take time to listen, and to do that actively, we need to make time and give space for regular heart-to-heart conversations. Great leaders and managers need to be available and not just focused on the next task.
Iyanla Vanzant said, “The way to achieve your own success is to be willing to help someone else get it first.” Showing we know and care about what’s important to our teammates – their goals and dreams, then inspiring them to move towards what matters in their lives is a great demonstration of genuine support.
One thing that often gets overlooked in the busyness of our work demands is celebrating even the small wins while rewarding above and beyond achievements.
Everyone loves positive feedback, but ongoing feedback, even when constructively critical, shows we are paying attention. It seems counterintuitive, but helping folks be accountable to achievable goals shows you care, too.
Too often, I see employees becoming overwhelmed and not feeling like they can ask for help because they “should” be able to handle it. Imagine if we had a level of trust where they could share their overwhelm, and we could provide assistance or rearrange the workload to help out. I’m sure the next time you requested them to pitch in, they would be the extra hands needed.
An old client used to say, “Don’t major on the minors.” Sometimes, we need to let things go without judgment. We all make mistakes and need a little forgiveness occasionally. Is the situation that big a deal? But please, once you let it go – truly let it go. Don’t harbor ill thoughts. They will destroy relationships.
Brené Brown has almost single-handedly taught a generation of leaders the power of vulnerability. She states that “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage.” Show a little of your own vulnerability; it will serve you and others well in the workplace and in life.
Remember, we are all in it together, and together, we can do great things! Keep showing up, keep caring, and keep being great!
Mary Anne Wampler
PRINCIPAL, TRANSFORM, INC.
