‘Tis the season where we gather to reflect on the current year as it winds down while getting excited about the upcoming year. During the holiday season, we traditionally have fun, reminisce and exchange gratitude for all of life’s joys with families and friends.
Isn’t it just as important to get together on this same personal level with our coworkers, as well? Statistics show that many of us spend more of our weekdays with our coworkers than we do with our own families. Essentially, coworkers are truly our extended families.
What makes a team gel is often strong personal connections. Establishing meaningful relationships with our teammates not only enhances our overall camaraderie but also improves our level of trust, communication and understanding. Just like in our own families, teamwork and collaboration are crucial.
Having fun together is also essential. I’ve shared before that our home team meets for an hour each week to play games, share stories and even watch movies. This week is our annual Spirit Week. We started the week with a fun PJ day. Next, Tuesday was the favorite holiday headwear day, while Wednesday was the traditional ugly Christmas sweater day – this year’s theme was a squirrel. (Yes, there is a story behind this.) Thursday was silly sock day. All during the week, the team got together virtually for lunch to watch holiday shows or simply have fun. On Wednesday, we all got together in chilly Illinois to celebrate in person with our fun holiday sweaters.
AME Home Team: Denise Engwall, Desiree Dolecki, Barb Clayton and Sara O’Hara
By engaging in enjoyable activities as a team, we can create an environment of openness, innovation and mutual support. And, of course, a little friendly competition. While we genuinely enjoy each other’s company, this comradery also creates an environment where we care more for each other as people, not just as coworkers.
Having fun does not take away from our professionalism or dedication to AME. Rather, it enhances it. We become a support system for one another, are better equipped to overcome challenges together, and provide unified support for our AME members, boards and partners.
I am grateful to be a part of this team and am always surprised by their creativity and tenacity. Not many people can convince me to willingly dress up or play Pictionary. The AME home team can because I genuinely respect, admire and care about each of them.
As we enter this holiday season, I hope we all can have a little fun, get to know each other on a more personal level, and build those lasting relationships and memories to carry us into 2024.
As always, please stay safe and keep looking out for one another.
