When things are tough, and you can’t handle it yourself, who’s got your back? I recently heard about the premise behind Keith Ferrazzi’s new book, Who’s Got Your Back? I haven’t read the book (yet), but the concept intrigues me. Basically, people who have at least three deep, fulfilling relationships will end up more successful than those who don’t. And w
hile that sounds like a great idea for everyone to follow, research indicates that half of Americans can’t identify a single person who fits that bill.
Think about your work relationships. Do you know someone who will stand by you through thick and thin, or have you neglected to develop a relationship of that magnitude? I encourage you to actively pursue this. When I started my current job, I felt like I was a latecomer to a party. But when another person joined our department shortly thereafter, I found the perfect opportunity to start developing that relationship that I was looking for. Now I’d gladly call that person my friend, and I know that my workday wouldn’t be the same without him.
Let’s hear your response. Have one of those relationships at work? Leave a comment and tell us what makes it special. Are you missing out on the experience? Leave a comment anyway, and maybe we can give you some help with that.
Oh, a new book!
I started a new job last October. After coming from a job where I had the three deep relationship, it was difficult to adjust. The office was very new so most others were going through the same emotions I was going through. The management team has banded together and formed a tight relationship. Its harder here because I’m the only HR person onsite so it makes talking out ER problems difficult. There are a lot of hypotheticals with Jane and Joe when I need to talk out something.
You spend a great deal of time at work, having good friends makes it much more enjoyable.
April, I agree completely on having friends at work. But as an HR pro, it’s kind of tough to have a close friend outside the HR department for several reasons. But then again, we should be making friends in finance, operations, etc.; we shouldn’t be hiding out and letting everything happen TO us. HR should be making things happen. Thanks for the comment!
HR should be out on the floor with the population. It is tough to make close friends at work knowing the things we know. I clam up when my work friends start gossiping about office water cooler topics, they know I’m not saying anything! HR should have its finger on the pulse of the company and the only way to do that is to be involved instead of hiding out in an office.
Thanks for the post Ben, I’m enjoying the blog!