Just as important as enjoying our jobs is belonging to our workplace. That takes effort on our part, especially if we’re new employees or work remotely, like I do. Know that we have a dual purpose; to get our jobs done, of course, but also to become a partner with our associates. Like so many, I am often focused on the mission and I neglect the people who help me get it done. That’s why my company has regular formal training for everyone – to create a company of “purpose partners.” That’s why the motto of the U.S. Army is “Mission first, people always.”
Whether we’re young or old, inexperienced or veteran, the task is the same. We have to go beyond text messages, phone calls, and emails. We have to look people in the eye, and find out what makes them “tick.” Better to do it before we stress them with our all-too-human mistakes, whether or not they impact a customer. And when we do error, we admit it, we say we’re sorry, and we work harder to prevent a reoccurrence. Working together we can regain the confidence of an associate or a customer. Conversely, when we demonstrate our dysfunction, we risk losing their trust, and ultimately losing a customer.
We all benefit if we firmly attach ourselves to our peers and our bosses. Have you ever asked them what you can do to make their job easier? And don’t forget to put forward your own ideas to improve the workplace. Remember, they hired us for our minds, but it’s up to us to exercise them.