On Friday, I had the opportunity to catch up with a friend who is also one of my mentors. As we sat down with her hot cup of tea and my almond latte, we began to talk about our recent holidays and families. However, we soon realized that we had not discussed work-related matters, which was the reason we had planned to meet in the first place. With only 5 minutes left before we had to part ways, we quickly talked “shop.”
This experience made me realize how important it is to have people in our lives who we can connect with, both personally and professionally. People who we can confide in, share our experiences with, and learn from.
As we go about our daily lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of it all and forget the importance of connection. We often prioritize other responsibilities over spending time cultivating meaningful relationships. However, it’s crucial to take a step back and make time for these important connections.
As we reach for change in the safety world, we reach for connection to stakeholders and, dare I say it, allies, to help us make things happen. Whether networking with colleagues or actually stepping out of the mould and becoming genuine friends, creating and nurturing these relationships can have a significant impact on our personal and professional lives. Having a support system and people to turn to for advice and guidance can make all the difference in achieving our goals.
Therefore, I encourage you to take some time to reflect on the connections in your life and make an effort to strengthen them. Whether scheduling a catch-up with an old friend or reaching out to a mentor for advice, building and maintaining these relationships can bring immense value to your life.
Stay safe, Speak soon.
