#46 - Public Journaling: 20 Characteristics of my Favorite Colleagues

Reflecting on what I love about the people I've worked with over time

Normally, I don’t write about things happening currently in my work life, but some things have happened this week that have made me reflect (positively) on what characteristics define the colleagues I particularly love to work with. No pre-amble this week, here’s the list:

1. They are naturally optimistic, but real about how they feel and what they think

2. They follow-up critical observations with suggested next steps immediately

3. They look “left to right” outside of their core responsibilities to create ways that the entire team/org could be better

4. They are patient enough (there is great value in being impatient sometimes)

5. They speak up

6. They seek feedback proactively

7. They manage up, over, and down

8. They constantly anchor what they are doing back to the overall objectives they are supporting #Perspective

9. They find ways to mentor and coach others, even when they don’t have direct reports

10. They have a bias for action and map out ideas / proposals on paper instead of constantly saying things like, “we should be doing…” without any tangible contribution beyond words (digital or otherwise)

11. They set boundaries around their work hours + they do NOT take calls or check e-mails on vacation. When they disconnect, they disconnect —> sets a positive example for others (recognize this can be hard depending on what you’re working on…I’ve certainly had many vacations and days off disrupted, but do not interrupt my time off if it’s not absolutely mission critical)

12. They manage their air time

13. They are responsive + they over-communicate on status updates + roadblocks they’re seeing + how they’re thinking about overcoming roadblocks

14. They are very clear when they have an ask

15. They think carefully about who else should be involved in a conversation

16. Regardless of level, they are willing to do things like take notes, build slides, schedule calls, etc.

17. They constantly try to be more self-aware of their emotions, how they process, and are vulnerable enough to share where they are, especially during difficult conversations

18. They give people the benefit of the doubt instead of assuming negative intent

19. They look at the outside world / market to find ideas for how we could be doing things better

20. They ask for what they need and want professionally

I could probably write another 80 points for this, but will leave this here for now and just express gratitude to the many wonderful people I have worked with over the years, and especially in the last few. I learn from them every day.