BYT ft. Workplace Friendships
Building Your Tribe (BYT) in a Workplace is not as straight as it looks!
We often hear about the importance of "building your tribe" at work. But what does this really mean, and why is it more complex than it appears?
After my post on BYT after college, this is my understanding and breakdown of Friendships at Workplace.
When we form genuine friendships with colleagues, it can transform our entire work experience. Research shows that having friends at work increases job satisfaction, productivity, and overall well-being.
"The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed."
- Carl Jung
Real-life example: Sarah, a marketing executive, struggled with imposter syndrome early in her career. By forming close bonds with two colleagues who became her mentors and confidants, she gained the confidence to pursue leadership roles and eventually became CMO.
The concept of building your tribe resonates with the idea of "satsang" in Hindu philosophy - the company of the truthful or the wise. The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with people who elevate your consciousness and support your growth.
Consider the friendship between Krishna and Arjuna in the Mahabharata as discussed in earlier post on BYT after college . Their bond went beyond mere camaraderie; it was a relationship of mutual growth, support, and spiritual evolution. In the workplace context, this teaches us to seek out colleagues who challenge us to be our best selves.
The Challenges in BYT @Workplace
"In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed." - Khalil Gibran
While this quote paints a rosy picture, building your tribe at work isn't always smooth sailing. Some challenges include:
Office politics: Navigating complex interpersonal dynamics can be tricky.
Professional boundaries: Balancing friendship with work responsibilities.
Diversity and inclusion: Ensuring your "tribe" is inclusive and diverse.
Real-life example: Alex, a software developer, initially bonded with a small group of like-minded colleagues. However, he realized this was limiting his perspective and growth. By consciously expanding his network to include people from different departments and backgrounds, he gained fresh insights that boosted his career.
Opportunities in BYT @Workplace
Building your tribe can open doors you never knew existed:
Cross-functional collaboration: Friends in other departments can lead to innovative projects.
Career advancement: Your network can provide insider information on new opportunities.
Personal growth: Diverse friendships challenge your assumptions and broaden your worldview.
Real-life example: Priya, an HR manager, formed an unexpected friendship with the head of engineering. This relationship not only improved communication between their departments but also led to Priya spearheading a successful tech upskilling program for non-technical staff.
TL;DR
Building your tribe in the workplace is a nuanced journey that requires authenticity, openness, and wisdom.
As the ancient Hindu text Hitopadesha advises:
"A true friend is one who in our absence speaks of us as he does in our presence."
I’ll go more in detail in these examples of building deep mission and respect-based friendships, next time I write to you. Till then, absorb and reflect upon this.
Seek out these authentic connections, navigate the challenges with grace, and watch as your work life transforms in ways you never imagined.
Building your Tribe? Hit me on Linkedin with a note.
Until next time, keep seeking, keep growing, and never underestimate the power of finding your tribe.
With love and purpose,
Karsh