Mail Bag: Here are Some of My Favorite Comments from Readers

One of the things I like best about LinkedIn is its capacity to inspire us — and I’m not just talking about the super-motivational posts that go viral and rack up thousands of red hearts and blue thumbs.

Those are great and all, but what really inspires me is the little stuff, like when someone takes the time to leave a heartfelt comment on one of my articles. 

Especially in today’s social climate, when a lack of face-to-face interaction can make the world seem like a lonely, divided place, it’s encouraging to see a friend or colleague share their perspective in a positive, constructive way.

So, in looking back at some of my recent LinkedIn articles, here are a handful of your comments that have really touched me. Thank you!

On “Seven Ways I’ve Adjusted to WFH” …

·        @Amanda Grief: “I’ve learned how powerful our online personal brands are as we have transitioned to an environment where smiles cannot always be seen, inflection can easily be lost, and introductions happen via profile views before phone calls.”

Beautifully written, Amanda. Couldn’t have said it better myself! You have a gift for conveying abstract truths in a tangible way.

·        @Homi Waldorf: “I went remote about 3 years ago, and I certainly had to do some adjustments. … At first, I found we don’t realize how to allocate the time properly. Like how easy it is to work 12 to 18 hours a day. But as you indicated, we have to treat it like we are in the office. … Set the time to log off and go offline.”

Thanks, Homi. Working from home, we must guard against always being “on.” To avoid burnout, we should take time for ourselves.

·        @Melissa J.: “In a working-from-home environment, you can find yourself never getting away from your desk because everything is so close — including your kitchen. Take time to regroup and reset. Remember, collaboration with your colleagues is still important. Take time for both yourself and remember to continue to establish bonds with your colleagues!”

Melissa, you are so right … especially about the kitchen! LOL. I love what you wrote about continuing to establish bonds with your colleagues. Now more than ever, we’re realizing the value of healthy relationships and community.

·        @Diana Kegel: “I agree the routine is most important. We have a home gym that helps with the daily workout routine, which I find so important for staying energized! Taking the dog for quick walks helps with a little mental health break too.”

I’m with you, Diana. This pandemic has made us all adopt new routines to keep us going strong, physically and mentally.

On “Cultural Transformation and Our Commitment to the 3 C’s” …

·        @Kirsten Russell-Rodriguez: “I remember very clearly why #FIS stood out to me. Hands down it was learning about your company values and #companyculture. Often, culture can be overlooked and undervalued. Company culture is a huge driver in employee satisfaction, which has a direct impact on client satisfaction!”

Indeed, Kirsten. While culture might start in the workplace, it ends up as our face to the world. Happy employees = happy clients.

On “How I’ve Adapted to Better Manage Myself and My Team” …

·        @Sushma Girsha: “With this pandemic, I have learned to be more grateful for all the things that we have.”

Me too, Sushma. I’m grateful for the time I got to spend last year with you and our wonderful global team.

·        @Shelley Stanley: “I have found the daily gratitude focus on all of the tiny little miracles that happen all around us to be so helpful.”

When we start with a mindset of gratitude, it sure does make it easier to recognize life’s tiny little miracles.

On “Searching Our Souls” (published in the wake of George Floyd’s death) …

·        @Analene Santos: “I truly believe we are on the right path, although the road ahead of us is long and may have many obstacles. But we need to push through!!”

I share your outlook, Analene. I’m hopeful that our country can build on this short-term pain for long-term gain.

On “How Can We Be Transformational Leaders?” …

·        @Jill Dussault: “I think my manager does an excellent job being a force for good and producing results by unlocking the potential of each of us on her team. She definitely takes the time to know each team member and appreciate how we can all contribute to the team in different ways.”

What a great compliment to give your manager, Jill. Words like these remind me why FIS is such a great company!

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Closing Thought: In a social media world filled with anger and toxic behavior, LinkedIn has carved out a refreshing niche for respectful, positive engagement. Let’s hope that never changes.