It's the time to be grateful for your allies at work

by Chester Elton

It seems like there is a never-ending avalanche of disruptions in the world, at work and in our personal lives. I would list all the crazy events of the last two years, but there just isn’t enough time or paper.

We would all have our own versions of that crazy list. Beyond the world and national news that bombards us every day, we each deal with family issues as well as our own physical and mental health. When you add the uncertainty of work, there are days when it can seem overwhelming.

That’s when I am so grateful to have allies at work, people who I can turn to for support and advice. These are people I trust with my worries, my questions about projects, those who can buoy me up when I need it most. I find that allies are an essential part of a healthy, happy and productive workplace.

Gallup research has shown that “Having a best friend at work” is a key factor in being highly engaged at work.

I have been blessed with two wonderful people who make work for me safe and productive. My co-author and partner in The Culture Works Adrian Gostick is the first. We have worked together for more than 20 years, and I feel like there isn’t anything we can’t talk about or share. Not only do we talk about our work, we talk about our families and our personal issues. I have shared with Adrian some of my greatest heartbreaks and failures and he is always there for me.

Then there is Christy Lawrence, my Chief of Staff/Booking Agent/Muse. She makes my world go around and ensures that I keep all my promises. We get a ton of work done each day and still find time to share stories of our kids, our joys and our pains. We laugh and cry a lot and she is one of my best friends and a great ally.

When you have allies like this, nothing is out of bounds. I am always engaged and excited to work with them. They are interested in my life, and I am deeply committed to theirs as well. In short, they make my life better. With them, I can be creative, hardheaded, reasonable and not so reasonable. More than anything, I can be open honest and vulnerable, knowing they have my best interests at heart. They can be trusted, and I always know they are cheering for me. That is a gift!

Relationships like this are formed over decades and fostered through good times and bad times. Some of you may be thinking: “How can I find those kinds of people where I work?”

I believe it starts with being a trusted, empathetic person yourself. If you are genuinely interested in the work and personal lives of the people around you, they will—in turn—be interested in you. Ask yourself: Am I a person others would trust and rely upon?

How we all can be better about supporting the people with work with each day. And then, how can we take these ideas home? Our greatest allies should our friends and families. Are we building stronger relationships with them every day?

I’m always grateful you give me your time and care to read these articles. Please share with me your stories of the people who best support you.

Who is your ally? Where do you turn for support and help when you need it the most? Drop a line in the chat. Better yet, drop them a line! You won't regret it!

With gratitude,

THE CULTURE WORKS COMMUNITY?

Join?The CultureWorks?Community! This is a place for leaders, managers and employees world-wide to discuss wellness and culture in the workplace. You will find this is a great place to share ideas, ask questions and come together to address important topics around creating a healthy work environment.

ANXIETY AT WORK PODCAST

It's a proven fact that you can't be in a state of anxiety and gratitude at the same time! Each week, my coauthor and dear friend,?Adrian Gostick?and I talk to some of the world’s leading authorities on mental health and explore the causes of workplace stress and anxiety, along with practices that are proven to reduce tension and cultivate calm. In this "Anxiety at Work"?podcast,?we spoke with Nicole Malachowski who told us When Life Is Turbulent, Loosen your Grip. Nicole is the first woman Thunderbird, Keynote Speaker, and Tick Born Illness Survivor. Download today to take with you on your next walk.

THE BOOK CORNER

Silence isn’t just the absence of noise. It’s a presence that brings us energy, clarity, and deeper connection.

Justin Zorn and Leigh Marz take us on an unlikely journey—from the West Wing of the White House to San Quentin’s death row; from Ivy League brain research laboratories to underground psychedelic circles; from the temperate rainforests of Olympic National Park to the main stage at a heavy metal festival—to explore the meaning of silence and the art of finding it in any situation.

Master Mentors by my dear friend, Scott Jeffrey Miller will be released this fall. I am honored to be mentor #41. Pre-order your copy today!

Mining the best and brightest revelations from FranklinCovey’s global podcast,?On Leadership with Scott Miller, Scott personally introduces you to 30 Master Mentors, featuring the single most transformative insight from each of them.

Whether you are challenged, affirmed, informed, or inspired—this all-new volume of?Master Mentors?guarantees you will experience a transformative shift in your personal mindset, life skill set, and career toolset.

Leading with Gratitude?&?Anxiety at Work?are available wherever you like to get your books.?Visit?The Culture Works?for free resources including videos, podcast episodes, and more, to help you build a culture of gratitude.

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