“The greatest gift of life is friendship, and I have received it.” Hubert H. Humphrey
Think about the jobs you’ve had in the past. Have you stayed in touch with the people you worked with or with past bosses, in particular? If not, why not?
One day, I was driving home and I received a call from Dale, my boss from when I was in the welding industry. Mind you, I left that job in 2003. Fifteen years later, when Dale or I have “windshield time,” we pick up the phone and catch up with each other. The friendship we’ve had for the past twenty-plus years is one of my dearest relationships.
Is it unusual to keep in touch with someone you used to report to? If you’re a manager, do you have past employees that you care enough about to maintain a friendship? Finally, are you the type of manager your employees would WANT to keep in contact with? Figuring out the answer to the last question will help you better connect and engage with your employees today.
When it comes to friendship, it doesn’t matter how they started – it’s the consistent connection that keeps it going.
Have fun
Lisa
PS – If Dale’s name sounds familiar, he’s the one to whom I dedicated my last book, “Manufacturing Engagement: 98 Proven Strategies to Attract and Retain Your Industry’s Top Talent.”
PPS – We’re wired for negativity – here’s why: https://youtu.be/7c1-vNtsqBc
