Champions Together

The Power of 2 Minutes - Daily Motivation #308 ( 20th April 2024)

The workplace can be a competitive environment, but it doesn't have to be a battlefield. Strong working relationships with colleagues are essential for a positive and productive work experience. During my MBA, a professor once told me, "Promote your boss to get promoted yourself." In today's world of 360-degree feedback, this translates to supporting and celebrating the success of your coworkers.

A key ingredient to a healthy work environment is viewing colleagues as teammates, not threats.

Collaboration is the foundation of success, while competition breeds negativity. Compliment your colleagues on their achievements, and celebrate their well-deserved promotions. Remember, research suggests that 70% of employees leave their jobs due to bad managers, not difficult colleagues. A colleague's promotion can pave the way for future opportunities for everyone on the team.

We all have different strengths and approaches to work.

One colleague may prioritize speed, while another prioritizes meticulous attention to detail. Embrace this diversity! Learn from your colleagues' unique styles and develop your own well-rounded skillset. My approach is to be cool and collected, even when others may not be. Staying calm and authentic fosters long-term, sustainable relationships.

A prime example of this is my ex-colleague, Amit Upadhyay ? ICAI ? SDA Bocconi . We met 16 years ago at his first job, and we remain close friends to this day. We worked together on a challenging project, the Fund of Funds valuation, and navigated the complexities with mutual respect and a positive attitude. We readily shared successes and failures, always learning and growing together. Even though our professional paths diverged 14 years ago, our friendship remains strong.

• Improved Teamwork: A positive and supportive environment fosters collaboration and problem-solving.
• Enhanced Communication: Open and honest communication builds trust and strengthens relationships.
• Increased Productivity: A happy and motivated team is a productive team.
• Stronger Network: Positive relationships can lead to valuable connections and opportunities.

• Active Listening: Pay attention to what your colleagues are saying, both verbally and nonverbally.
• Empathy: Seek to understand your colleagues' perspectives and challenges.
• Positive Communication: Focus on the good, and offer constructive criticism when necessary.
• Respectful Disagreement: It's okay to disagree, but do so respectfully and professionally.
• Teamwork: Be a team player, willing to help your colleagues whenever possible.

• Online Course: "Teamwork Skills: Communication, Collaboration, and Conflict Resolution" by Coursera
• Podcast: "The Culture Podcast" with David Liddle and Alistair Stewart explores building positive workplace cultures

This daily newsletter reflects my personal views, with the sole intention of helping each other grow. I'm always happy to discuss and hear your perspectives!        

#WorkplaceRelationships #Collaboration #Communication #Teamwork #PositiveMindset