When You Work With Great People

When you work with great people, life feels less stressful. We can never remove all of stress from life, but I'll take any attempt to reduce it. When you work with great people, it's easier to communicate, collaborate and create quality work together.

As an independent consultant and coach, part of my business thrives on long-standing, (and some new!) partnerships with people whose values I align with. This is not an easy thing to find. I have partnered and worked with some less than great people, and subsequently left those relationships in the past.

Many people do NOT get the opportunity to work in jerk-free work environments. How do I know this? I am a volunteer member of a career change group on Facebook. I provide free career advice and career coaching for people in mid-career making changes. I am horrified and frankly broken-hearted by some of the situations I read about. Some are abusive, clear-cut harassment or worse. These people are desperate to leave but feel trapped. I don't always have the magic answer for some of these people, but I do attempt to support them.

"Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life." – Amy Poehler

So how do you know if you work with great people? Ask yourself these questions:

1. Do I feel valued and respected for who I am as a PERSON? (this is different than your role.)
2. Am I comfortable approaching peers and leaders with questions or even just casually?
3. What do I feel like on Sunday night thinking about the work week ahead (i.e. is it dread?)
4. What is one of my most important values (i.e. integrity, honesty,) and who around me reflects those values?
5. Is the organization I work with or for true to their values? How?
6. Do I actually have fun when I am working...and is fun allowed?
7. Is there someone at work I feel has my back?

It's important from time to time to take stock into WHO we are spending our time with. With the amount of time we spend at work, we need to be around people we respect and respect us.

I'm particularly tuned in to the general awesomeness of the people I am lucky enough to work with. Last week, I lost my father after 3 months of ups and downs due to complications after heart surgery. During this time, I was greeted by understanding and compassion with the companies I partner with all across the country. When my father ultimately passed I was shown grace and kindness (and showered with meals and even a spa treatment gift card!).

I want to especially thank some GREAT humans Mindy Aufderheide (and the CS & Sales Teams at Cloverleaf !), Luke Freeman , Nicole Casey , Chris Province, MA , Hannah Bratterud , Ben West, M.A. , Emma Holland , Laura Crothers , Isabelle Brennan , and Lori Orrico . Thank you for your support, kindness and understanding over the past three months and most recently. It has not gone unnoticed.

You know you work with great people if they are there for you in your most difficult times. Great people SHOW UP and know you as more than your expertise and your role. I am beyond lucky. But I urge you to reflect: Life is SHORT, as I am learning more and more each day. WHO do you spend your time with and what needs to change. If you've been putting off leaving a job or professional relationship that doesn't honor who you are, just WHEN are you going to set yourself free. Do something today to take that step forward. You will not regret it.