Lately, I’ve been doing Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in the form of self-paced workshops with my employer, ZP Better Together. One series I’m enjoying is a collection of CEUs called Peer-to-Peer, meaning when we take the workshop, we get advice from our colleagues on how to have a great day.
A recent section I completed asked that I reflect on helping my colleagues have a great day, and I was thinking what I could do given that I work from home (meaning alone!). There is a lot we can do via calling, texting, or emailing.
- I texted a coworker the lyrics to Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood about how it is a “good feeling to know you’re alive.”
- I send out peer praise for all kinds of things, not just Big Important Praise. For example, when a colleague communicates effectively to all of their subordinates.
- One colleague has a new baby, so we sometimes call each other while she does laundry (which she hates!) to make the chore easier and less stressful, which can continue into her work life.
- Sometimes I email colleagues to check in and let them know how their wisdom affected me recently.
- I know some colleagues who struggle with organization because their personal lives are so full of stress, so sometimes I text reminders about when we’re scheduling for the next round and we have a deadline.
A lot of interpreting is mindset. If you get anxious and think you can’t, you can’t. We need to be the positive vibes in the room and encourage the same of our colleagues. I wish had more ideas on sending positivity to colleagues, but I don’t see most of my colleagues, which also makes it hard to get to know them. What are your suggestions?
Melanie Page 
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