Over Spring Break, I was able to spend a lot of time with my brother and mentor Nathan. It was definitely nice to catch up since both of us were so busy during the beginning of the year with college and work. As I was back home, my brother and sister-in-law also spent a couple days back in Lake Forest at my parents' house. Since the whole family was back together, we enjoyed many meals and outings together which we missed out on for a while.
One day, my parents, along with my sisters, went out shopping while me and my brother hung back at the house. Reading each others minds, we knew it was going to be a day dedicated to video games and playing basketball. Powering on our old PlayStation 2, we replayed several memorable games that we spent countless hours on when we were younger. While spending the day playing video games and shooting hoops we had various conversations about what was going on in each others lives. I recall asking Nathan about his transition to a new position within his company. He assured me it was going really well and was excited about getting an office in a different building. I then asked about how his relationships were going with his new coworkers, since I thought it must've been hard to adapt to new surroundings and people. However, he replied saying he was already comfortable with them and goes out with them some weekends. This didn't necessarily come as a surprise to me as I knew Nathan is pretty impressive with creating strong relationships with new people. This also isn't just because he is outgoing, but instead he is very personable and can easily connect with people about whatever is going on in their lives. I realized that this is a very important skill to have in the workplace because interaction with your coworkers is essential in some jobs. In some instances, it can really determine whether your time at the office is miserable or actually enjoyable. By hanging out with Nathan I notice how he asks certain questions and seems genuinely interested with those he is talking too. Hopefully, I can learn more from him and in the future have strong relationships with my coworkers by being invested in their lives as well.
One day, my parents, along with my sisters, went out shopping while me and my brother hung back at the house. Reading each others minds, we knew it was going to be a day dedicated to video games and playing basketball. Powering on our old PlayStation 2, we replayed several memorable games that we spent countless hours on when we were younger. While spending the day playing video games and shooting hoops we had various conversations about what was going on in each others lives. I recall asking Nathan about his transition to a new position within his company. He assured me it was going really well and was excited about getting an office in a different building. I then asked about how his relationships were going with his new coworkers, since I thought it must've been hard to adapt to new surroundings and people. However, he replied saying he was already comfortable with them and goes out with them some weekends. This didn't necessarily come as a surprise to me as I knew Nathan is pretty impressive with creating strong relationships with new people. This also isn't just because he is outgoing, but instead he is very personable and can easily connect with people about whatever is going on in their lives. I realized that this is a very important skill to have in the workplace because interaction with your coworkers is essential in some jobs. In some instances, it can really determine whether your time at the office is miserable or actually enjoyable. By hanging out with Nathan I notice how he asks certain questions and seems genuinely interested with those he is talking too. Hopefully, I can learn more from him and in the future have strong relationships with my coworkers by being invested in their lives as well.
Being able to create new relationships in the workplace is such an important skill. It makes assimilating into a new environment that much easier and people who can create these new relationships are probably more likely to succeed in their new positions
ReplyDeleteThere's definitely a lot of great things to learn from your brother's approach to coworker relationships. Something I have always struggled with is interacting with coworkers/fellow students outside of the context in which we normally see each other. Asking genuine questions and showing interest in the lives of others is an essential relationship-building skill that I am working on, and that your brother seems to have developed well.
ReplyDeleteSo awesome to hear that your brother is also a mentor for you... so important to understand those relationships and clear communication!!!
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing better than hanging out with good quality people on vacation. Also playing basketball and video games sounds great. Nathan seems like a great guy and successful. Sounds fun!
ReplyDeleteIm glad you were able to have fun and rest over your break. What you shared towards the end of your blog was really good and insightful. Like you said, I also think relationships with coworkers is extremely important and i hope its something you and i are able to do well in the future when we have to work with other people in our own respective work environments.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with the importance of relationships in work environments, but also generally speaking as well. I'm realizing more that we really can't live this life alone and that we really need good people alongside us to help us.
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