Do you have Friends who provide you Benefits?

The title is not meant in the "sexual way", but more in how we look at our trusting relationships with others when we enter new environments.

I remember the Doctor Seuss book, Oh, The Places You'll Go!  I received the book as a graduation gift from High School (no it was not an original issue, I'm not that old…).  When you watch the above clip from the movie Friends with Benefits, there is a correlation between the two.

Dr. Seuss encourages the reader to go out and explore and experience new experiences.  In the movie, Justin Timberlake's character has to make a decision to start his life over in new surroundings, or stay with the what is most comfortable for him.  Those decisions are never easy…

We make decisions on a daily basis, some of which may require us to change a job, location, surroundings, etc.  It's important though, when you make a change, no matter how large or small, that you have a proper support system.  Those who you can rely upon for unfiltered advice and those who truly have your best interests in mind.

In the workplace you need to determine who your formal and informal mentors are.  Remember, they don't all need to do the same job you do.  Sometimes being buried in the weeds, will lead to unforeseen results.  Establish a network outside of your workplace that you can bounce thoughts and ideas.

Take chances and remember that everyplace we go can be awfully lonely if we allow it to be so.  Take a chance, make a change if you need to, and don't look back!  It is cool to be part of something that is bigger than yourself and have fun doing it.  You never know who you will impact in the process!

Have a great week!!

Intervention!

The A&E Network has a reality show called, "Intervention". This show documents the lives of people dealing with a variety of substance abuse and how it effects their families and friends. Sometimes the intervention works out and the addict is rehabilitated, other times, it does not.

As anyone in leadership understands, it takes hard work, not an entitlement to attain all levels of leadership.  We work hard, and our expectation is that our hard work and tireless hours will lead to greater levels of responsibility and of course higher paychecks.  At what cost does this occur though?

As leaders, is being a workaholic an unhealthy addiction that affects our friendship and family relationships?  In other posts, I have discussed the importance of recharging your batteries, and having "me" time.  Doing both of these is paramount to having a work-life balance.  In doing so, you can become cured of workaholism and enjoy the little things in life.  Being a workaholic can be just as damaging and detrimental to the individual as any substance abuse can be.

I have read many articles over the years that those leaders that have a true work-life balance, they are typically more successful.  The reasons for this is they are able to clear their mind and focus at work, and at play.

How do you determine if you are a workaholic?  Ask your peers, family, friends.  If they truly care about you and your well being, they will be honest with you.  Give yourself an informal intervention. 

My name is Mark Brody.  I am a workaholic. 

Can you take the same first step?  If you can, better health, and healthier relationships are nearer than you think.

Take time this Labor Day Weekend to not think about work and enjoy doing something that you don't typically do.