So you work remotely now and have made adjustments to your new environment. You might also see that you can still be lonely and uninspired even with a house full of family members. You can find yourself distracted, and your professional life can grow stagnant.
LinkedIn and other social media platforms may (partially) fill the need for interaction with others while connecting physically with industry professionals are still somewhat limited. However, if a virtual setting is your only option right now, there’s a way you can “rub shoulders” with people who are purposely growing and heading in the same direction as you.
JOIN A PROFESSIONAL GROUP
As a business leader, it is wise to connect with peers from other organizations who operate in similar capacities. Why? They bring the perspective and energy you need, and you bring value to them, too.
In a group setting, you each have a role to play in the nurturing of one another. Those who intentionally interact with a community of like-minded professionals take on less stress and mental health issues. They don’t “go it alone.”
THE POWER LIES WITHIN
Joining a professional group allows you to receive valuable guidance, enhance your thoughts, broaden your knowledge base, and to work faster and more efficiently. If you find yourself stuck on a business decision, you can get past roadblocks because of someone else’s experience in a similar situation. Sometimes you just need someone with which to bounce thoughts back and forth.
Conversely, someone else in the group may have a question that you can answer. And you will experience a surge of satisfaction when you have helped someone else. You will see the value of your contributions. A room full of experience can lead to optimal success for those who make an effort to lean into all the group has to offer.
OTHER BENEFITS OF JOINING A COMMUNITY
Connecting with other professionals regularly and building relationships creates new energy in your working world. It breathes life into those stagnant areas, revitalizing and renewing your drive and growth.
Relationships play an essential role in your overall health and happiness. A psychiatrist and professor at Harvard Medical School, Robert Waldinger, states, “The surprising finding is that our relations and how happy we are in our relationships have a powerful influence on our health. Taking care of your body is important, but tending to your relationships is a form of self-care too.”
Below are more benefits you and other participants receive when you enter a focused group of like-minded professionals working towards similar goals.
- Combats loneliness and complacency
- Broadens skill set and problem-solving
- Enhances your personal/professional network
- Evokes inspiration and creativity
- Provides an additional means of motivation and support
- Offers opportunities to celebrate wins with others
- Creates a sense of belonging
- Drives personal/professional growth
- Introduces new ideas and resources
HOW TO DECIDE
Here are some general questions to ask yourself when seeking the right group for you:
- What are the values, interests or goals on which you’ll base your decision?
- How often do you want to connect with a group? Daily? Weekly?
- Do you want to join a local group that occasionally meets in person?
- What can you offer to the group and what is it you hope to receive in return?
LET US OFFER ONE OPTION
This fall, we’ll be launching a membership program called The Element™. As part of this program, we will provide the opportunity for members to interact through an exclusive forum. Our goal is to bring the community to you! Watch Rising Sun’s social media posts for updates or visit our website for more details.
