Everything is different in my office today. This week we start out with a new team, because Friday was the last day for one of our long-time employees.
It’s easy to picture Alayna as the glue that held us all together. It’s because she has a personality that bridges the gaps of stress, ego and impatience. Alayna is eager to please, quick to laugh, and reminded us 40-somethings not to take ourselves too seriously.
It was time to let her go. Pushed out of the nest in an attempt to teach her to fly on her own. But when we told her that she would be missed, we really meant it. It’s just not the same around here without her.
Which makes me wonder: what do I contribute to the group dynamics? Am I working for the good of the team or for my own personal success? Am I a giver or a taker? A laugher or a sulker?
Do you think you bring out the best in others? What attributes do you have that make people glad you are part of their team?





March 26th, 2008 at 11:10 am
I was asked by a panel of people that were interviewing me for a position with a major company here in Memphis what is my strongest quality. I answered “I have the ability to adapt. That means to every environment, every personality, etc.” I was hired for that position and was told later on that my answer to that question is what determined for the panel that I was the right person for that position. I have the uncanny ability to ‘adapt’ and to adapt well. My mother had that same quality and I know that is where I got it from. Unfortunately, my daughters did not pick up this trait from me. I see a little of it in my teenage son right now so I hope that does not change when he becomes a young man. It is this quality that has enabled me to remain friends with everyone in my life despite the stress and strain that we sometimes go through from time to time that will hinder friendships and relationships. Don’t mean to toot my own horn, but it makes my life much easier because I don’t have to deal with the drama that a lot of my friends have to deal with. I can truly say that I live a drama-free life.