In life, we need relationships. Science tells us that relationships can extend our life expectancy, lower our chances of heart disease, increase our pain tolerance, and can release chemicals in our brain that makes us feel good. We are designed to be relational people.
Relationships matter both personally – and professionally.
When we have relationships with our co-workers, we can be stronger leaders, we can be more supportive and empathetic, and we can more easily be our authentic selves. Relationships also allow us to get feedback and encouragement along our professional development journey too, to name a few benefits of many.
Relationships are important. Finding the right people in your life – aka your tribe – matters.
So, how do you find your tribe?
First things first, expand your professional circle. This can be done through employee resource groups like women’s leadership initiatives, asking colleagues to meet for coffee or lunch, networking events, cross-department projects, etc. The goal here it is to find individuals that you feel like you could have a real connection with.
Ask yourself, what do you really want and need in your tribe. Be self-aware and listen to what your mind, body and soul is telling you. Surround yourself with people who will be supportive, caring and who will challenge you to be able to truly achieve your goals.
As you find connections and people you feel like you could bond with, continue to explore what you have in common and what you don’t. Consider professional interests, career paths, compatibility and trust. Be open and vulnerable. Not to the point of revealing your soul, per say, but you need to be open and honest and allow personal connections to be made.
There’s a saying “your vibe attracts your tribe.” The only way to attract your tribe is to fully be yourself. If you are pretending to be someone that you’re not, you’re going to attract a tribe that has nothing in common with the real you. You also want to be conscious of the energy that you’re putting out there too. Are you positive or negative? Are you aware of how you’re showing up and how that is impacting those around you too?
As you make these new and amazing connections, lean into them and build that tribe. Be a support to them – and them to you. It’s powerful to have people in your life that have your back no matter what. And vice versa. When you can give to others, you will find great satisfaction too.
Your tribe is your support system and will help you to achieve your goals and reach new heights both professionally and personally.