Hi,
I have had many false starts writing this intro, as evidenced by the many deadline reminder emails that I received from Sandra. At its heart, I think I am talking about resilience, but in reality, it is more about community and compassion. In the last few weeks, members of our team have individually and collectively been rocked by tragic news. The sudden deaths of an industry colleague and close family members. Each one individually was devastating and especially crushing to the staff members who lost family.
Instantly upon the news of each event, the rest of the team reached out to each other and to me specifically, offering to fill any gaps that may arise as other team members were making arrangements and grieving their loss. There was no hesitation, although I know that each and every one of them has their own personal stresses in addition to a full workload. One is just back from maternity and has the stress of trying to navigate the “new normal”. One is expecting their first child and has all the worry and stress that comes with the thought of bringing a new person into the world. One is in the process of selling their house, which is both frustrating and inconvenient as they are often displaced at odd times for showings – not to mention trying to keep the house clean.
Each of them – and all of us really – bear the weight of a thousand tiny worries and stresses born at work and at home. And yet they all, to a person, were willing to absorb a little bit more pain to ease the suffering of a coworker. Just thinking about it both fills me with pride and brings a tear to my eye. It also made me ask myself, “how did I get so lucky to have such an incredible team?” The more I thought about it, the more I realized that yes, luck does play a role, but so does the culture of the organization.
If you are employed full time, you are spending about a third of each day working with and relying on your coworkers. That is probably more time than you get to spend with your best friends and maybe some weeks, your family. What I think we have done really well at Central Counties is to get to know each other on a personal level. We start our staff meetings with conversations about what is happening in our lives. This gives us the chance to celebrate the good news, like one of our staff setting her wedding date and the daughter of another getting to sit front and center among the dignitaries at the Pope’s inauguration. We hear funny stories and commiserate over the sad ones. I think it is these personal connections that make our team stronger. I see it every day, when individual staff members don’t take personal credit for their success, but rather thank and recognize the other team members that assisted, or when they volunteer to help a teammate complete a project they are struggling to finish. We all know that we have each others’ backs.
These personal touch-points have created an incredible, positive work environment, which is represented by the great work that each and every one of the team does. Since much of our focus is working with you amazing people that drive the visitor economy, I am sure our culture is reflected in all your interactions with the team. From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank Adriana, Jessica, Katie, Lisa, Sandra, Sara, Sarah, Susan and Tom for making the organization run like clockwork (and for making me look good each and every day).
If you haven’t already, try to get to know and take interest in your coworkers’ lives. You will be surprised how quickly your work environment becomes a team environment. And when you are surrounded by supportive teammates, you know you can accomplish anything. What’s more, working is fun. I honestly tell people all the time that I haven’t worked in years because I love what I do and the team I am doing it with.
The strength and resilience of our teammates enduring personal tragedy is inspiring. The unconditional and selfless support offered by the rest of the team is heartwarming. Being part of this team is a privilege.
Please hug a loved one.
Chuck
Chuck Thibeault – Executive Director (& Interim Headwaters Industry Relations contact)
https://centralcounties.ca/staff/sarah/
Lisa John-Mackenzie – Industry Relations Manager, Durham Region
