Many of us spent Thanksgiving weekend with our friends and families when we weren’t in the stores. Some of us really enjoyed it while for others it was stressful. (No, I don’t mean the shopping)!
Our work colleagues are a form of family. Often we are not able to choose them. And it is important for us to function well. We look forward to seeing some and we do not want to be seated near others.
In both families we have certain rituals and dynamics that play out when we are together. We have fond memories together or we carry resentments from the past.
Most of us spend more time with our work family than our related family. Think about these questions:
- How does your work family function?
- What is the role you play?
- How can you create a safe, comfortable and fully functioning work environment?
By recognizing your role in the family and how your actions, assumptions and old messages are playing, you can impact the dynamic.