Team Friends Are Nice

The Power of 2 Minutes - Daily Motivation #325 (14th June 2024)

My professional journey began almost 20 years ago, in 2004. One thing I did differently from most people was approach team members and friends. Fortunately, I always had team members who were kind and supportive. They threw me right into the deep end, but it wasn't a sink-or-swim situation. The reason it worked was because we were all focused on helping each other grow. We believed in building long-term connections and fostering a sense of shared goals and interests. This meant finding ways to improve each other's skills and constantly challenging ourselves to learn and grow

The very first friend I made in my first career is still a close friend today, and we continue to support each other's endeavors. This pattern continued as I transitioned from private equity to IT and now into SMART Solutions. I had some amazing team members who, while not reporting to me directly, became close friends. These friendships have endured the test of time, and I can always count on them for support in the professional world.

Building Lasting Connections

Many people believe that strong professional relationships are a myth. However, I've been fortunate to work with some incredible people throughout my career. My colleagues have become best friends – amazing individuals who are kind, reliable, and always willing to go the extra mile. I don't just see them as colleagues but as a network of supportive friends. This has allowed me to offer them opportunities as well. Over the years, I've been able to connect them with jobs that fit their skills and interests because I understand them on a personal level.

In contrast to experience, it's often said that when a manager moves to a new position, their entire team follows. This hasn't been the case for me. While I haven't personally experienced this mass exodus, I've seen firsthand how the lack of strong team bonds can negatively impact retention. It's clear that good people value strong relationships with their colleagues more than most realize. It's important to note, however, that these relationships require honesty and reliability to be truly beneficial.

From Entrepreneur Back to Corporate

A prime example of the power of strong team friendships occurred when I ventured out as an entrepreneur nearly a decade ago. Although the entrepreneurial path ultimately wasn't for me, I realized that I needed to return to the corporate world. It was then that I turned to a network of friends for help. They became a bridge, offering guidance and support in finding the right job. This wasn't just any job – it was the perfect opportunity to re-enter the workforce at the right time. This all stemmed from the positive and supportive relationships I had nurtured throughout my career. I believe in paying it forward, and I always try to help others in the network whenever possible. It's about creating a win-win situation where everyone can thrive.

The Magic of Challenge and Innovation

A positive and supportive work environment fosters not only well-being but also innovation. When good people surround themselves with others who challenge them, it sparks creativity and problem-solving. Most major innovations occur during times of crisis or challenge. The need to overcome obstacles drives people to think outside the box and develop new solutions.

Think about the invention of the light bulb. Before its creation, people relied on fire for illumination. Someone recognized the need for a more sustainable and efficient lighting solution, leading to the development of the light bulb. Innovation then led to further advancements like electricity, motors, and, eventually, automated systems. This entire chain of progress was driven by a positive environment that encouraged creativity and problem-solving.

Building A Team: The Manager's Role

Creating a team environment conducive to innovation and success requires a delicate balance. It's the manager's responsibility to cultivate a harmonious team environment where people feel comfortable taking risks and challenging each other. Developing a team with high retention rates is crucial, and good people often choose to stay with a company for reasons beyond just salary. Research shows that a staggering 80% of employees leave their jobs because of their manager, not the job itself. I've personally left companies for the same reason.

Leading with Honesty and Integrity

As a professional, I believe it's essential to build strong, trusting relationships with team members. This requires honesty, integrity, and a willingness to challenge each other in a constructive way. This approach is about fostering growth, not negativity. Unfortunately, I've witnessed both sides of this coin throughout my career, and it truly depends on how individuals choose to utilize their leadership.

About me

I am known in professional circles for my knack for helping others and sharing knowledge. I proudly wear the hat of a Career Navigator ??, leveraging my extensive experience to guide professionals toward their goals at lightning speed. ??

With over two decades of experience in Private Equity, Customer Success, DX Consultant, and Business Development (Hunter) across the APAC region, I specialize in Digital Transformation and SMART Solutions. Currently, I'm immersed in Yokogawa Focused Solutions, particularly in Sustainability, SMART Factory, Digital Twin Solution, and Energy Efficiency Management. ??

Passionate about sharing insights, I craft over 325+++ daily motivational articles and offer mentorship to those seeking guidance. Referred to as a "Mental Ironman Triathlon," I'm recognized for my resilience and consistency, having penned newsletters for 325 days. ??

From C-level executives to entry-level professionals, I guide individuals across the spectrum, emphasizing creativity and problem-solving. Looking to navigate SMART Industry Solutions, Digital Transformation, or explore new business opportunities? Let's connect and tackle your challenges together! ??

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