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Connection

Posted byChad DrobishPosted inUncategorized

The first thing I do when sitting down at my desk in the morning is run through my email to prioritize items for the day. One of my favorite aspects of this task is seeing communication from our amazing clinical team. Whether the messages are requests for assistance, telling me what is going on in their life, or just reaching out, I value all of these messages. 

Last year, my role in our organization changed, and in many ways, I was no longer as close to the daily operations of the clinical team, a change that seems even more relevant today in our current COVID-19 world, in which social distance is the norm. This meant that often, especially for newer clinicians, I was not the first person that they reached out to with questions or concerns. In moving away from the daily operations, I frequently found myself missing my clinical team, with whom I had spent time building relationships and bonding. 

The message that I received this morning, found at the bottom of this post resonated with me strongly, especially as it is also Nurses Week, a time in which we celebrate the amazing people who do so much for the future of healthcare. 

One of the best aspects of the role I play within the TCX team are the relationships I have established with our clinical team, many of whom have moved beyond team members to people I call friends. You have shared with me stories of  births and deaths, marriages and breakups, health and sickness, vacations and hardships, pictures, jokes and memes. I have valued every story. Conversely, you have also reached out and been there for me, and I hope that each of you know how privileged I feel to be part of your thoughts. 

 

Thank you for sharing your stories. 

Thank you for being part of our team.

Thank you for all that you do!  

 

Today’s Tip : Reach Out to Those Casual Friends You Miss  

Adapted from “Why You Miss Those Casual Friends So Much,” by Gillian Sandstrom and Ashley Whillans

On an average day, we interact between 11 and 16 times with casual acquaintances — think your favorite barista or the colleague that you always see at the microwave in the break room. Now that we live in an era of social distancing, these once-common interactions have disappeared, and we no longer have physical reminders that we are part of a wider social network. Reaching out to show someone that you’re thinking of them will make you both feel a bit closer during this challenging time. First, think of the right way to reach out — is it a text, a phone call, an email, a Facebook message? What will put the least amount of pressure on the recipient? If you don’t get a response, don’t take it personally. Think about this interaction as similar to smiling at a colleague in the hallway: Sometimes you might stop and chat, and sometimes you might not. Instead of expecting a reply, enjoy the knowledge that your message is likely to deliver a little hit of happiness for the recipient. Set an expectation for a short and simple conversation — it will help avoid the feeling that socializing is another item on your to-do list. And if you do end up talking, share something about yourself — maybe a photo of your pet or child doing something funny — to help build positive rapport. It may feel awkward at first, but reaching out to an acquaintance will create a spark of joy for both of you while you’re out of each other’s sight.

 

 

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