Welcome to the Week: The Person Behind the Person

The holiday season brings more than spending too much time figuring out what you are going to wear to a holiday party, (notice above we said wear your favorite sports gear). It's an opportunity time to forge deeper connections with those you see for the other 11 months out of the year on an almost daily basis.?

In our crazy world, we often interact with others on a surface level. We see them in meetings, talk about work, collaborate on projects and work often (and hopefully) toward a shared goal.

... But, behind every person we interact with at work lies a richer, more complex story; one that we rarely feel comfortable delving deeper into.

At our recent holiday party at Fitlife Foods , I had the opportunity to discover 'the person behind the person.' Meeting colleagues loved ones revealed new dimensions to their personalities and stories. It’s these relationships that shape and define us and one that had missing for us for a couple of years due to COVID and other factors.

Understanding these relationships can profoundly transform how we see and interact with each other. It's not just about knowing someone's favorite color or their weekend hobbies; it's about understanding who they are in the context of their loved ones and personal life.

Stephen M. R. Covey , a renowned leadership authority said, "Seek first to understand, then to be understood." Covey's words echo the importance of empathy and understanding in all our interactions.

Think about some of your friends. You often know other members of their family or other friends they have, helping you understand more of the personality.?

This season and especially this week with so many holiday parties getting into full swing,I encourage you to learn more about the people you see every day.?

Engage in conversations and actually relish the opportunity to meet the 'person behind the person.' When you meet a spouse or significant other, ask about what their colleague is like at home, what do they love to do together, etc. You'll find that these conversations not only deepen your connections but also enrich your understanding of who they are.

By adopting this mindset and caring about the people behind the people, we see our colleagues not just as coworkers but as individuals with diverse, meaningful lives.?

Simon Sinek says it right, "Leadership is about taking care of those in your charge." This holiday season, let's extend that care to understanding the important people in their lives so we can care more deeply about those we work with each day.

Here's to discovering and appreciating the person behind the person this holiday season!

Feed Your Journey!

David