Coffee & Career Hour
A genuine & informative podcast on all things career - hosted by two career counselors and friends. From practical strategies to motivational & reflective content, this podcast is here to empower and guide you to find meaningful work, make informed career decisions, and reach your full potential. So, grab a cup of coffee and join in for some career talk.
Coffee & Career Hour
Authentic Connections: Why Real Workplace Relationships Matter More Than You Think
Career success isn't just about who you know, but how real those connections are. In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative power of authentic workplace relationships—the kind built on trust, mutual respect, and genuine curiosity about others. We offer five tips and strategies to help our listeners build authentic relationships to level up their career.
Drawing from our own experiences we explore how these meaningful connections differ from traditional networking. Rather than focusing on transactional relationships, we advocate for engaging in deeper conversations with an international interest. These authentic connections don't just happen—they require consistency, vulnerability, and showing up with an open heart.
We personal stories of how relationships built years ago unexpectedly led to career opportunities, speaking engagements, and business partnerships that wouldn't have transpired from traditional networking alone. We discuss practical strategies for building these connections, from engaging in "water cooler conversations" to recognizing colleagues' contributions without expecting anything in return.
Whether you're looking to advance in your career or simply find more fulfillment in your current role, this episode offers valuable insights into how authentic workplace relationships can become your career superpower.
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When you're building authentic relationships, it's about going a little bit deeper, you know, going five inches into the conversation rather than like a centimeter away. Right, it's taking that risky step or being open the same way and showing others that you really care and you're there and you want to learn.
Speaker 2:You are listening to Coffee and Career Hour. We are your hosts. I'm Armina and I'm MJ, two career counselors and friends chatting about all things life and career.
Speaker 1:So grab a cup of coffee and join us.
Speaker 2:We've all heard the saying it's not what you know, it's who you know. But what if it's not just who you know?
Speaker 1:but how real that connection is. Exactly Today we're diving into the power of authentic workplace relationships, the ones built on trust, mutual respect and a little bit of vulnerability.
Speaker 2:Because, let's be honest, the people who help us grow the most in our careers aren't just LinkedIn connections. They're the ones who truly see us, advocate for us and challenge us to level up.
Speaker 1:So if you've ever wondered how real relationships at work can open doors, fuel your confidence and shape your career path, this episode is for you. Grab your coffee and let's get into it.
Speaker 2:MJ, what's up? I feel like you are the queen of authentic relationships in the workplace.
Speaker 1:You know one part way, I'm a queen of a lot of things. I'm just kidding. Um, you absolutely are, I feel. So I can't say I disagree, but my imposter syndrome is like telling me in my brain to disagree. Just because it's the imposter syndrome speaking, but I do feel that I can. I am really, really. I have gotten really well at making relationships, building them, keeping them, creating like an impact on others, so they have like this impression in some type of way that's positive but yet authentic, of who I am.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, you have done that really well from what I've been seeing, so that's why, when we decided to talk about authentic relationships, I automatically thought about how you do them. Oh, you do that really thanks yeah, it's honestly.
Speaker 1:It comes out very naturally because one of my strengths if you know Clifton strengths is harmony. So I don't like conflict, so I try to be everybody's friend. If you know, clifton's strengths is harmony. So I don't like conflict, so I try to be everybody's friend. Um, which you know has its own issues and rooted in trauma, but um, like workplace relationships, I always have always thought like I want to enjoy the people that I work with and the work that I do I already love. So just it's like a bonus point to like work with like a big happy family and friends.
Speaker 1:And usually it's a red flag when your work is like oh, we're one big happy family, but you work to build that relationship with the people you do and spend most of your time with every week. Like you and I right, like I we do some which we'll get into and all this kinds of stuff. But we built that relationship from day one. It wasn't something that I was like oh hey, partner, like how you doing, or like we only work together on like projects and stuff. Right, like I care about if you are like have a different tone in the mornings, like I'm going to ask you like Arminia, what's wrong? Or like, if you need to do something, I'm going to lock you in your office until you finish it. Yeah, you did that to me today. It's I think it's natural in me because I've I've grown up like caring a lot about a lot. I've grown up caring for many people in my life, so it's natural for me to do that when I get closer to someone too.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and you know it really does make a difference. I want to hone in on what you were talking about, like creating a space where you are connected to the people around you so that you enjoy your workspace. I think that's so important because, unfortunately, so many people out there like hate the work environment. I mean, sometimes we'll have clients who say, you know, I kind of like the work. You know, the work isn't the problem, it's the environment, the culture, energy, the people. Um, there might be a culture of, like complaining about one another or backstabbing each other, right or not, celebrating each other's wins, like a very competitive culture, and that could really get to somebody. You know, even if you love the work, if you're in that space day in and day out, eventually it's going to get to you. So I love that you were talking about creating this energy and the space of connecting with people and feeling genuinely like you care about the people that you work with.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it's funny because I was recently talking to someone a little bit of the opposite of what you were saying. They were sharing with me, like the work they could care less for, like it is just stuff that they don't like to do and they don't want to do and they don't even want to be in that industry that they're in, but they've stayed so long because of the people around them and they choose to like keep coming back to their job because they really enjoy their team or the people. And I was like that that's hard. That's hard because I am someone who loves both and I well, I've actually have been in that situation where I don't like the work, I didn't like the work I was doing, but I really enjoyed the person I was doing it for and that was hard because I had to choose to leave because ultimately, I wasn't feeling fulfilled.
Speaker 1:And when you create that environment with that people, you feel safe. It's a safe space for you to grow, for you to ask questions, be who you are. And you know from that experience of actually that relationship has led me to other opportunities to be offered, through even career confidence. So I'm grateful. I mean there was a whole point to this. I can't remember what it was. But anyway, long story short. I'm grateful for that connection because it's led me to other opportunities even now, because I I allowed space and time to build and strengthen that relationship over the years.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's great to see that, the impact that it can have. Right, Because we always talk about, like, oh, networking it's this big, scary word and every time we talk about networking or building that career community, we talk about how it can come back in very meaningful ways. Maybe six months from now, maybe a year, maybe three years from now, and it sounds like for you that's exactly what happened. It's like been years later, but it's been opportunities that have come up because people know you in this way. Yeah, A hundred percent. A hundred percent. That's amazing. I love it. You've also been in spaces where the work you loved but the environment wasn't the best fit right.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah, yeah, and it was a short period of time, but it really taught me a lot about like who I was, what I wanted and the importance of like speaking up and putting myself first. I think a lot of the time that people please their energy or that that characteristic that I have really draws me to do things or be in spaces that I don't enjoy, and at that time in my life I was new to a lot of different things and I was figuring it out and I felt like I just had to like push through and just do the thing that I hated and it eventually was going to be okay. But then I realized I I was really staying because one financial security I needed the money hated what I was doing, but the person who I was doing it with just made it a tad bit better and it made like the days taste better and the you know even like shorter a little bit too. It was kind of fun working with them but not doing the work yeah, yeah, it's so complex.
Speaker 2:It can be so many different feelings all at the same time, whether it's loving the work, hitting the environment or vice versa or any combination of those things. But, like, there's so many emotions that are complex and multi-faceted when we go to work, so it's not just this basic like do you like what you do or not?
Speaker 1:Yeah, that question goes so deep, which is why, like a huge part of like building those relationships with others it's not like oh, you know, arminie, do you enjoy being, you know being a higher ed professional, like that's so like surface level and it's deeper than that, right. It's asking you your purpose and your passion. And I think that also comes naturally to us too when we speak to others, because we're counselors, we're used to those conversations, we're not really afraid to have them and others, um, shy away from stuff like that. But when you're building authentic relationships, it's about going a little bit deeper, you know, going five inches into the conversation rather than like a centimeter away, right, it's taking that risky step or being open the same way and showing others that you really care and you're there and you want to learn.
Speaker 1:Once a colleague of ours it was so cute when they were starting they sent out like a survey to get to know everyone a little bit better and I thought it was the cutest thing in the world because I thought how well one it was really authentic of the person too. I just loved that because there were questions that like you don't naturally ask in a workplace, right, like what's your favorite animal. Like that comes out silly, like in silly conversations, but it was a nice way for them to get to know us and come into this new environment when they clearly saw like we all had a strong bond already together too.
Speaker 2:Yeah, oh, I love that, I love that survey.
Speaker 2:I remember that clearly.
Speaker 2:But you know, it goes to show, because that person does have those conversations, they're really great at asking those questions and, sure enough, they build those authentic relationships.
Speaker 2:You know, I think about, like I've been kind of reflecting, as we're having this conversation, on my career journey and just starting from like, undergrad, moving forward to grad school and having to learn the importance of authentic relationships in the workplace, that I can say I've been lucky enough to be in spaces where those relationships evolved and grew over time, but I didn't know how important they were until I was having those relationships and recognizing, oh yeah, I have these almost lifelong connections, even if maybe I'm no longer working with some of my past colleagues, right, but like they're lifelong connections and, who knows, I would love to work with some of them again in the future and we still keep in touch every once in a while.
Speaker 2:So I think about like wow, the importance of this and the fact that I didn't know this, like no one ever told me this, tell me this, you know, and and maybe had I known earlier, I would have even been more strategic or intentional about building these or knowing how to build these, but I kind of had to just fall into these spaces, observe the dynamics and, over time, recognize, recognize, oh, this is an important part of your career development process yeah, as you said that I was reflecting, you know, I like flashbacked into like little mj in college and grad school in my first couple jobs and one I think it's we're first gen, right, we don't know what we didn't know and we still have a lot to learn.
Speaker 1:Yeah, um, but I'm thinking about all the relationships that I have now and how, in my career, those individuals that I have had those conversations with and have built those relationships and sustained them over time, have like, really like been huge career moves for me, right like have been the reason why I taught, like I'm teaching a graduate class, have been the reason why I was asked to teach a special one unit course or design like an asynchronous class or like be in these positions that I'm in or career confidence is different presentation Like.
Speaker 1:It's mind blowing to me how, through these relationships that I didn't even know, like putting in those extra five minutes, staying after class or sending that email or taking them up for that dinner, whatever it was was going to create such an important movement or moment in my career and in my life where, as like a human being, I'm learning and growing, not only as a professional, of course right, of course but even as a person, like how those relationships really impact me because, like now, like these are people I'm like inviting to my wedding right, like people who've known me for years, and that's like how deep the relationship goes.
Speaker 1:But that's just because you put that energy there and I really do wish someone like we would. We can say this to the younger audience too, because they don't know that and I feel like in now and days, like social media is, is really like the forefront of how people build connections and see different others and have an influence really, and it's very, it's very what others want people to see. It's not the true version of who we are oh, yeah, absolutely.
Speaker 2:and and the true version is in those conversations and the real face-to-face spending time with people, taking the time to get to know them. And, yeah, you know, it's okay. I think better late than never. And life is all about learning and growing, and so is our career. So I think that now that we've seen the impact, the positive impact, you know you're talking about career confidence and presentations. I'm thinking about the majority of opportunities I've had through Career Rise has been through people referring and the community Right. And so I'm like, yeah, absolutely, you're wanting to advance in a corporate environment, or whether you're wanting to get a new job, or whether you're wanting to build your own business. It's all going to come back to the people that you know, but not just people that you know, but the relationships, the level of relationship that you have with these people. So, mj, if we're trying to build these genuine authentic relationships with people, what are some of the things you would say are key tips or strategies for somebody to implement to start having those authentic relationships?
Speaker 1:yeah, one we've we've talked about already and that's like the genuinely being there, being curious, wanting to know your peers, your colleagues or others, because it's, yes, in the workplace, but it also goes beyond that, right, like in the professional world. In workplace anybody can really be a connect, connection or like a networking um human for you, right. So, being genuinely curious and not transactional. Many, many times we teach individuals and clients about how networking and building that relationship um is not about a beneficial or someone being like getting some type of benefit. Right, it's not beneficiary. I use the term career community a lot because it's strong. It means a lot to me in the sense of like.
Speaker 1:Where I come from, my culture, we're very much so a community of people. We're not individualists, right, and networking traditionally, how it's taught, it's very for the individual, right, how am I going to benefit? How can I help you? You help me? I scratch your back, you scratch my back. Where, in a community, you're just helping others to help others, right, like you want to grow together and you want to genuinely know your comunidad and all these different things. So that would be like. One of my first tips is just be you right, like are you like, why are you here? Do you really want to know this person in the next office to you? Like if you love their pants, like tell them right, ask them where they got it from. Like me, I taught someone today like what mules were versus sandals. Like, cause, that's just genuinely me.
Speaker 2:I love it. Yeah, no, it's in those little conversations that you learn more about somebody, and then you never know where that conversation can lead, or the next time that person is in a space where they remember your conversation and you're up at the forefront of their mind, right, like you've made an impact on the person. They learned something from you or they yeah, you evoke some kind of emotion in them. So you've made an impact, and then you never know how that can come back to you, right? Yeah, arminia.
Speaker 1:I think like one part of of it is like me doing it right, like me just doing it the my first day, my first week, my first month. But like what would you recommend? Like how do I, how do I continue that? What does that look like for me as like a, let's say, if I'm a new professional or someone transitioning in the workplace or wanting to revive some of those workplace relationships?
Speaker 2:Yeah, I mean that's where it's going into that space with an open heart all the time and recognizing that this is not just a one-time thing. You have to be consistent, right? Because, okay, you open the door to a conversation once when you just start in that workspace, but then you never come out of your office, you never take the extra five minutes to stay a little bit longer, have a conversation after that meeting. Right, how many times? If I think about our team meetings and then the amount of time we spend having conversations after that team meeting, but you know there's a reason. They there's a term water cooler conversations, you know I will say as a younger professional.
Speaker 1:Everyone has said that to me and said that I'm so good at it. But please tell me what it is and I'm not like. You really don't know. I never understood but everyone says like I'm so good at it, but I'm like what, like what is?
Speaker 2:that when people would go to, like, let's say, the lunchroom and there's a water cooler there, you're going to grab a cup of water in the middle of your workday. You intend to be there for like two minutes, grab your water and leave, but then your colleague is there and then you guys are at the water cooler and you start having a random conversation about something that's what it is, yeah, cooler, and you start having a random conversation about something that's what it is, yeah, and so then that can build. It's basically what you do. What we do at work all the time is build that connection with people, have those conversations, but it like happens in front of the water cooler dang, I'm like we're having hallway conversation, front desk conversations, bathroom conversations, stairwell dang, I'll have a conversation with anybody anywhere.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah, that's so funny. Okay, so that's funny. Parking lot Don't forget the parking Parking lot. That's true. That's true.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, so that's what water cooler conversation. But there is a reason that term has been termed and, and, and it's stuck because people have conversations in these spaces that then ultimately brings that connection, brings that um genuine curiosity, where the other person feels heard they feel seen right and it's consistency.
Speaker 2:So, to answer your question, doing that regularly and making that as part of the energy that you show up into the workplace. So, for example, I think about sometimes when maybe I'm not in the best mood, right, and you've seen this, I won't show up with an open heart, I will be in my office and I will close the door. I'm okay doing that when I'm not in the best mood because I'm not also wanting to, you know, engage, engage when I'm not in the best mood, but, um, that's okay. Sometimes that happens too. But I notice the difference automatically when I'm showing up with more of a closed heart versus when I come to that space with an open heart and the level of connection and the the energy around me and the relationships and the connection that I built is so different in the times most of the time when I'm coming in open.
Speaker 1:But I feel the shift automatically when I come in with a closed heart you know, no matter how you're feeling in the morning, I will say, like you do remain consistent, because right around 12, one o'clock, you've eaten, you feel a little bit better, you're not as tired. And I say this like with all the love in my heart because, like I've learned to know who you are in the last three years in a way where I'm like, okay, just give her like a moment to breathe. I I didn't do anything wrong, because the first couple months, remember, I would ask him like armand, did I do something wrong? Um, I was like freaked out. I was like are we not friends anymore? But you know, you need your space. Like, sometimes I can be like that Well, mostly because I need to finish something and I spend too much time talking, having these water cooler conversations everywhere. Um, but you do, you are consistent, no matter what.
Speaker 1:I think it's like sometimes you know like we don't know how we're going to show up into our workspace. We can always try our best, but there's also a level of like separation there and sometimes that can get, you know, blurred lines and you're experiencing a whole different world. Right now You're entering a new phase in your life, right, like we're all in different phases too. We all have our moments, but at the end of the day, I want to remind you that you actually are consistent. Please don't forget that you show up with an open heart, whether it's 1 pm, um, or you're coming in at 8 am with that too, thank you.
Speaker 2:Thank you, that's good to hear. Yeah, and you know I mean we have to be. You have to be mindful too, because I absolutely know when I I'm like okay, I need to make sure I'm not showing up in this space with seeming like I don't want to engage, because that's not who I am. I know the importance of these and I genuinely feel connected to the people that we work with too. So I do want to engage in those conversations.
Speaker 2:So being mindful and knowing and you know, we're all human and there's going to be times when it's like we need to crank down, like I got to finish this or I got to. I just need to be by myself right now and that's okay. But overall, it's about the reputation, it's about your overall energy, it's about how people see you. If you're, you know, if you're not in the best mood, it's okay to not engage. You know, I don't want people to feel forced to have to do that either, because it needs to be coming from a genuine place. So it's okay if it's not every single day, but it's just your overall. How are people experiencing you in the workplace?
Speaker 1:Yeah, I think the consistency is is important too, because there are times where, like I've worked with people in the past where, like, when we're out or when we're doing something together for like an event or whatever it is like all my experience has been in higher ed like and I're they're different, their tone is different, their mood is different. I'm like, oh, like, you are not like this in the office at all, versus when we're out interacting with others and or grabbing a meal, whatever it is. It's like very different and for me it's always hard because I feel like I'm myself 110 percent of the time, all the time time. Well, I try my best. You know I'm more polished at work, but like after five o'clock I'm totally let loose.
Speaker 1:But, like, when it comes to other people, like it's so confusing to me because I'm like, do I, can I be, since you are like this now, can I be like this with you in the office? And then when you're not, you're like in your office, not you. Obviously I'm not talking about you, but like others in the past, it's been so confusing so that there's like a different pattern and that consistency isn't there and it's really hard to read and I think, even though you're doing your best. I'd say, like, think about that impression that you're leaving on others, like what is that? It don't care? Don't necessarily you don't have to care about my feelings or your colleagues feelings, but it's confusing sometimes for the other people around you yeah, no, yeah, because they don't get to experience who you are as a person.
Speaker 2:So then it's like, oh okay, like I don't really know anything about this person. So then there's like what do we even talk about?
Speaker 1:yeah, well, I'm thinking of a specific time, um, in my past, when I was like dang it took me six months to learn like this and this about this person.
Speaker 1:and I was like whoa, like if we I mean me six months to learn like this and this about this person. And I was like whoa, like if we I mean me. Deep conversations happen like three minutes in, you know, but it's just again a word I'm used to as a counselor. But I remember thinking like wow, if I and I blamed myself that time, I was like if I would have taken the time to make this conversation, but that person, I think, just wasn't ready, or that was just their style at work. And it wasn't until we were grabbing lunch one day when they shared a little bit more and I was like whoa, like I didn't even know that, you know, you had like a kid, yeah, and I was. It was just wild you know?
Speaker 2:I think it's because sometimes people have this idea. They come into the workplace with an idea of this is what it means to be professional yeah, it's like good traditionalist mindset a little bit.
Speaker 2:Yeah, because in the past there was a very big distinction between what you can, how you show up to the workplace, and how you, you know, engage with your colleagues, and that idea of professionalism and being authentic and being open has, like, definitely evolved over time. The value of being open, it's become more valuable over the years, yeah, right, so it's like a value system too. And then so the way people may have been socialized to think about work and how they can show up to work can be impacting their level of openness. Yeah, absolutely, absolutely, yeah, okay. So let's say, I'm Jerry, we're like okay, you're genuinely curious about your colleagues, you're consistently showing up, you're coming in with an open heart and wanting to engage in these conversations for the most of the time. What are some other tips that you would recommend?
Speaker 1:Okay. So one other tip which I think it took you guys a second to learn about me, was I just do things to do things. I really don't expect things in return. Um, it's nice when, like, you're recognized and you're made, you're made to feel valued and stuff like that.
Speaker 1:But I I grew up with my parents like my dad would work seven days a week, just to work seven days a week. My mom would do the same work six, seven days a week and just to work six, seven days a week, and they obviously they were getting paid for their work, but they they did it with this level of like they didn't expect much more than what they were going to get. You know what I mean. So I grew up with this idea not only my parents, but like my aunt and my grandma's, who I was also raised by too like just watching them do things with just out of the kindness of their heart and I'm not saying work out of the kindness of their heart, because of course we need to live and breathe and eat and sleep and stuff. But I do a lot of my work just because, in this sense, and I do it not to get recognized or for a promotion. That's awesome, when that was, that's the kind of comes, but I, I think it. What I'm trying to say is you also want to do things without the expectation of others, like offering you more money, or like, like like us, like we're not going to take on a saturday presentation because we're going to get like a bonus or something. You know what I mean. Like there's no, we don't do things just for a benefit of it. Oh yeah, absolutely. And I, I feel like, well, our industry is also very different. In education, right, like our purpose really as student service educators is to serve and to educate the next generation of college students.
Speaker 1:But in general, a lot of people do things because they want a reward or there's something tied to it, right, there's some type of benefit and I think when you do that enough times, you can kind of see the person's true colors. Yes, please, um, do you know you deserve to get rewarded? I'm not saying you don't and just do stuff for free, but you also want to help others, like, for example I'll give you a small example if someone's struggling to like refill the paper in the printer, like, do it because that's like who you are, like me, like I, when I see people.
Speaker 1:I once I was trying to figure out how to re-put ink in the printer and it was. I was struggling so hard and someone saw me and they just came to help because they saw I didn't know how to do what I was doing right. And then I I went later that day and I like I took them out for coffee. Um, just because, just just because I'm the person that I am and I'm sure they didn't expect that right or just giving out a helping hand, or if you see someone struggling in some type of way, or a team member not understanding, or someone from another team or someone new is like super confused on your policies or your systems, or whatever it is like bottom line, just do stuff without like the expectation of reward oh, yeah, no, that honestly, is.
Speaker 2:It kind of goes boils down to like mannerisms. I love how you're talking about the way you were raised and how that's informed and impacted this characteristic that you have, because it is. It boils down to how, um, we see the world, how we, how we connect with other people and like our mannerisms. So going above and beyond and doing extra things, even as small, as like restructuring the chairs and the tables right when we're preparing for a workshop, and it's like, oh, let me see, okay, there's a workshop going on, let's like put the tables together or something, even if you have nothing to do with that event but just helping your colleagues do that. So I feel like it all boils down to those mannerisms and how you kind of want to be in support of other people. But I would say it goes beyond our industry, because you were talking about education and student service. It's beyond our industry.
Speaker 2:I see it in business too, a lot. I see it, and I have these conversations with my husband too, because in entrepreneurship too, you have to kind of do more than what is, whatever the deal is that you've made, because that's how you build that reputation that you're gonna bring value and you're gonna. You, you are someone that they would want to work with again in the future. Right, if you're only gonna do that bare minimum of whatever your deal was, or you're going to be like, oh well, you want me to do this extra thing on the project, then I'm going to charge an extra fee.
Speaker 1:It's like you're not really building that space for connection and and authentic like relationships to happen yeah, I I you said that way more beautifully than I did but I also think it's like just going a little bit over, right, like just doing a little bit more just because, um, or to show a little bit more of who you are. It's, it's just being um, I don't know. There there was something about what you said that like took my mind to just like not being an overachiever, but just just doing a little bit more than what's expected of you because that's who you are. Too right. Like, for example, once, like one of my first meetings that I ever had that I was leading, I didn't know what I was doing. I had zero idea what I was doing, how to prepare, how to lead it. I let it, it was fine, there was nothing wrong with it.
Speaker 1:Later I got feedback about how, like you know, a way in which you can do is, if you're hosting, like you can have like an agenda, you can have this, you can have that, like all these different things. Right, it's like years later now I'm talking about years later there was once where I think now I take it so extra, but like I was hosting a meeting recently and I printed out agenda, I printed out flyers I printed out like packets for people to take. I had like music in the background. I had like water accessible. I was made sure to stand there when people come in, like just to be in my mind like a regular host. But then the people who I was hosting, they were like oh my goodness, like thank you so much. We weren't expecting this, like all these different little things, and it's that impact or that impression that you just leave on that person that just shows like that's who you are. It wasn't like that in the beginning, but these things you pick up over time and you also learn to be this way overall too.
Speaker 2:Yeah, no, absolutely, and I think what I've learned is that it comes down to when you go to work. Do you feel connected to that space?
Speaker 2:Yeah, you know, because if you kind of if you feel connected to that space. Yeah, you know, because if you kind of, if you feel connected, you're more likely to go and see what's up, what's happening, is there something that I can be supportive of, does anyone need anything? Or like, was there an issue at work that I could help solve? But if you're kind of going in like I'm just here to do my job, I don't really feel connected to this space, then you're less likely to be out and about to even have these conversations or see that somebody is having, is struggling with something or or anything like that. Right, you're going to be more reserved, more to yourself. You're not even creating the space or the opportunity for you to be able to do that. So I think it all boils down to first like the emotional space that you're showing up when you go to work.
Speaker 1:Yeah, absolutely. I think it's important for others, for our listeners out there, to really, you know, sit there and reflect on how are you feeling about your work? Is it something you're connected to? Is it something that you enjoy doing? Or the people around, people you want to be around Right, like, do you keep your door shut? Or if you work in a, around right, like, do you keep your door shut? Or if you work in a cubicle, do you have your headphones on 90 percent of the time because you don't anybody to talk to you? Yeah, things like that that really also demonstrate um your feelings towards the workplace. Yeah, all righty, arminie, I'm talking about doing stuff um without offering help, without you know anything in in return and feeling emotionally connected to the workplace. But I think there's also a special part in when we recognize others too.
Speaker 2:Yes, oh my gosh, giving people credit, uplifting people for the work that they do, for any small accomplishments, for being who they are and bringing what they bring to the table, it's just so validating. It creates such a more welcoming environment where people feel like you know, I feel seen, I feel appreciated, and then that makes it's like positive reinforcement in psychology, like you reinforce other people to continue doing the good work they're doing or continue being warm, Continue being open, because they're seeing like that's appreciated.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I think it's so nice to really just take a moment and observe and just be real and congratulate, celebrate others, like really show them that they're valued in this space too and you value them for however you've partnered, collaborated or just work together in the same physical space. It's really important for people to know that, because a lot of us kind of you know we sit there and question I say us, because I am one of those people I'm like sit there and question like, am I doing a good job? Like, am I? Am I like meeting the expectations of what I'm doing? You know, that was me a lot in the beginning.
Speaker 1:I feel like now it's that voices or that questions have lessened but a lot of people don't know and they need that right sometimes. That also keeps us motivated in our everyday jobs, where we may feel like we're really not making an impact or we don't. We feel really lost or confused or like if we're even making a difference at all, and that like small email of like thanks so much for your help. You know like without you I wouldn't be able to do this. Whatever it is, honestly, whatever it is, like here's a treat or let's go out for coffee. I want to you know thank you for your time and effort on this project. It goes a long way for people, a long way.
Speaker 2:It a long way it really does. And that can be the difference of whether somebody chooses to stay in that work environment or not, because they may not love the work they do, but they may be feeling so appreciated, valued as a as an integral member of the team that they they want to stay in that environment yeah, absolutely know.
Speaker 1:We're talking about how creating authentic relationships, building authentic relationships, really help you advance in your career, and I will say too, these are all traits of an excellent leader, right, like a leader who definitely wants to know more about you. Um, the people they work with do they enjoy loving coming to work, right People? Leaders who are consistent in their decisions and how they communicate with their staff or employees in that type of way. Leaders who just do stuff for the goodness of their team or wherever they work. People who just show up and lead with an open heart, like you were saying, right, and want to include everyone in that sense, and definitely give credit where credit is due.
Speaker 2:Yeah. So, mj, why is building authentic relationships so important? We talked a little bit about how you can build it. We talked about the impact it's had on us and our workspace and environments and our professional journeys. But for our listeners, why is it important?
Speaker 1:It's so essential to who you are as a human and as a professional because you really recognize the value that you bring. You recognize that lasting impact and impression you have on others and and how that has shaped really where you are in your career and how you see your, your job. It's beyond what you do from whatever time to whatever time, but it's, it's the general theme of of your professional life, right, and how that looks.
Speaker 2:It's also how you get to know others and how others understand better who you are and what your goals are and how you want to get there too yeah, and ultimately these can lead to sure leveling up in your career, sure career transition or different opportunities that come up, but it can also just lead to fulfillment in your work, and I think that's what everybody's usually seeking anyway.
Speaker 2:When we talk about being happy in in your career development, when we talk about just career success as a whole, it all boils down to like are you feeling fulfilled? Maybe you're not seeking to be advancing to a leadership role, right but maybe you're just feeling like, okay, if I feel fulfilled in the work that I do, I feel valued and appreciated, then I'm happy. I'm happy where I'm at and that's all you need. So, whether it's wanting to advance in your career and these relationships can help lead to different opportunities, or it's just feeling more connected and fulfilled in your work, whatever it is, authentic relationships is what can help open the door to these opportunities. Thank you so much for listening. If you enjoy our show, we ask that you write a review on Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people looking to level up their career, want to connect with us.
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Speaker 2:Follow Career Rise on Instagram for career advice and motivation to help you stay up to date on all things career. Be sure to also visit my website, careerriseorg, to book a career counseling package and access free career resources. My goal is to help you clarify your goals, make a plan and feel confident in your career journey.
Speaker 1:You can follow me on Instagram at career confident Latina for your daily dose of career advice and my journey as a first generation Latina counselor. You can access free resources or even work with me by visiting my website, careerconfidenceonline. I want to help you grow your confidence and help you reach your career dreams. Adios.