"I have your back"
Very powerful words in both business and our personal lives. I think we could all benefit from hearing this more from those around us, even if we have differences of thought or are completely unfamiliar with the challenge. When we know someone is behind us, we are ultimately more confident in ourselves and this breeds bold decisions, creative solutions, and collaboration.
The beauty of this statement is that it transcends hierarchy, it works peer to peer, direct to manager, or individual contributor to CEO. When things are turbulent in our worlds, we need the support of others to keep us balanced and focused, but those anchors don't just appear, it takes nurturing of the relationships with those around us at every level, in every place in our life. I've found that when I feel that I have 'anchors' in a meeting, I'm more actively engaged, able to tap into my unique idea side and add value to the conversation, versus staying in listening mode and holding onto what could be the right solution to myself. So as I build those relationships with those around me, I try to infuse that same sense of support *especially* with those I have the pleasure of problem solving with on a daily basis.
How do we do more of this? For me, I simply add a voice of support in those meetings where someone had the courage to say something outside of the box, or challenge the majority. Right or wrong, the action should be acknowledged and supported. In difficult situations where someone is clearly going underwater, I try to lend a hand even outside of my 'scope' - if I can't be a part of the problem solving I can at least be an emotional support or even a sounding board! I also try to engage in conversation that is outside of the day to day, ask about family life - pets included :), hobbies, weekend activities - these things help to build that trust and add a level of security in the relationship.
I'm lucky to be surrounded by people who make me feel like they would go to bat for me, in any given situation, both personally and professionally, and I credit what little success in my life I've had to all of them (all of you!). Hopefully I'm making the same difference for others in my life. Are you doing the same?
SVP Human Resources Chief Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging Officer, LabCorp.
4 年Some of the best leaders (or bosses) that I have worked for have been role models in allowing their teams to take informed risks, drive transformations, and make tough business or integrity-based decisions, knowing that these leaders would have the backs of their teams in the difficult times as well as the positive.
Leadership Development | Executive Coach | Speaker | FORBES Contributor | Author
4 年Ginger Maseda - Terrific article. Research has proven over and over that a strong social network is the key to well-being, resilience, health and productivity. Thanks for sharing.
Chief Human Resources Officer | Doctorate in Business Administration | Talent Management Research
4 年Great reflection, Ginger. Expressions of support builds confidence, engagement, courage and trust, teams and stars. Thanks for sharing.
Managing Director at Denville Partners
4 年This is great....
Chief People and Culture Officer at Reddit, Inc.
4 年You are absolutely making a difference, Ginger! Loved reading this.