Transitional phases are always a little tricky and often a source of stress and anxiety for a lot of people. The new school year, filled with different classes, teachers and schedules is frightening for kids and certainly stressful for parents who play chauffeur and tutor, all while balancing full-time work and personal schedules.
Now that we are well into the school year, and are settling into our new ‘norm’, I’ve been reminiscing about summer. The summer is always a transitional phase for Medix as we welcome many new teammates across the company, some who’ve just recently celebrated graduation and are stepping into their first real career. It’s such an inspiring time, getting to meet so many new faces and learning about each individual’s hopes, dreams and motivations for wanting to join our Medix Ohana. Although each encounter with a new teammate is exciting, having coffee with a recent new hire left me reflecting on the golden rule we all learn as kids.
The conversation was nothing out of the norm. We discussed goals, aspirations and career advice – topics I’ve spent the vast majority of the last 20 years talking about. We spoke about family, a topic of passion around Medix, and I have to admit, this was the first time I’d ever encountered a teammate whose parents were definitely younger than me. You might be thinking that in that moment I felt old, but instead, I felt this overwhelming responsibility to care for the Medix Ohana, the way I hope an organization will care for my three kids one day.
I’m someone that believes very strongly that it takes a village to raise a child. Your family, school, church, coaches, community – that’s your village. Not only are you raising your own children, but you’re taking care of the other kids in your community as well; whether it’s through friends of your own children, coaching sports teams, teaching a class, etc. Each day, it’s your responsibility to put your best foot forward and lead by example by treating others and others’ children the way you’d want you and your own children to be treated. The ultimate goal is to inspire the youth in your community and help each child get one step closer to becoming the best version of themselves.
The same goes for organizations. Every person that signs an offer letter and joins your team is someone’s son or daughter, and their parents are expecting you (their employer) to help their child succeed, grow and blossom. No organization and no person is perfect, but as an employer, it’s your responsibility to accept new teammates for who they are, and bolster a culture that allows each teammate to feel welcomed. Throughout their career, it’s your duty to challenge, train, mentor, develop, inspire and guide each teammate to opportunities that put their best foot forward, and ultimately push them toward achieving their personal and professional goals.
And believe me it’s no easy task, and can be an immense responsibility, but in keeping with the golden rule, isn’t it exactly how you’d want yourself or your children to be treated?
Very good post. I’m a firm believer in family whether at home, on the field, or in the workplace. Treating friends, employees , or even casual acquaintances as how we would want ourselves, or children to be treated, has been a priority with me. Expanding the tree of good will repays you tenfold. You pray if you aren’t there to help your child up when they fall that someone else is. “Pass it on” is a phrase to live by and feeling part of a team in life, or at work is important as you have outlined in your post. Every person you touch in life should feel they want to return the favor and more back to you and your family. When this happens, you know you’ve made a difference in their life.
If the world lived by your post philosophy, it would be a much better place.
Well said.
Thank you