Never waste a good crisis!

[This reading is from Evelyn F. Griffith, Assistant Director of Data Management at Michigan State University.  She is a recent MOR program alum.  Evelyn may be reached at [email protected].]

What a time to write a reflection!

There are so many valuable lessons that we gain from participating in MOR.  However, the most important by far is the relationships we are building with each other.  None is more important than the one we have with our cohorts.  My MOR cohort has been a lifesaver.

Our team has individuals from several different disciplines in IT.  I can count on them to give me solid advice related to their areas of expertise.  But it’s more than a professional relationship with this group.  They have become an essential component of my work life that I didn’t even know I needed.

Being stuck in an airport for hours forced us to talk about our goals and disappointments.  Driving to MOR sessions helped focus on what we wanted out of the program and allowed us to discuss how we would apply the principles at work.

But it also built our friendships.  I honestly don’t know what I would have done without this group during the COVID crisis.  They are always “dinging” me on Teams, letting me know there is still tons of humor in life.  They are the only group of people who I can talk to about how frustrating things are sometimes.  They share their life stories and make me feel like we are all in this together.  They are my peeps!

What I have learned from the group:

1. Building relationships takes time and effort.
2. You never know when you are going to need someone.
3. Don’t do it for the rewards.  Find people you genuinely like and want to get to know.
4. Be vulnerable.  Open up and share.
5. Nothing is better than walking into a meeting and seeing a cohort!  Instant support!

After reading my reflection my peer coach Kevin responded with the following about our cohort “In times like these we really figure out what relationships are important, and which ones exist because of convenience, ie, we sit next to each other, so we chat and make the best of the arrangement, those relationships don’t last a test like this.  The important ones continue the communication when the environment fails to provide it anymore. We connect to each other intentionally to those who matter”.

I hope my note has inspired you to continue to grow with your MOR cohort.  Remember – Relationships are currency.  Ask yourself, how are you leveraging your MOR cohort!

Have a great day, and stay safe.

Evelyn

This reflection was featured in a MOR Tuesday Reading of Alumni reflections on valuing the gifts of others.