Valuing relationships

Lately, I’m reminded of the importance of truly valuing relationships, both at work and at home. 

As we build Cast Iron Babe, valuing my team is a priority. We work remotely, so that means lots of chats over Zoom. 

Here are a few ways I value my team members:

• I ask a lot of questions and listen without judgement. 
• I accept who each team member is and embrace their individuality.
• I express appreciation and minimize criticism.
• I share and ask about the non-Cast Iron Babe side of life. 

This type of interaction lets us get to know each other and care for each other in ways that solely task-focused interactions never can. I also fully believe that everything Cast Iron Babe creates will be better as a result of our team’s connection and trust.

It’s easy to get caught up in the timelines, checklists, and monetary side of building a business. It’s easy for team members to remain fully occupied with their own tasks on their own screens and never authentically interact. 

Developing caring relationships at work takes awareness and focus, as well as a belief that camaraderie makes everything better.

Relationships at home are the same. 

Running a household, like running a business, can leave us so focused on checking off boxes on our never-ending to-do lists that we have little time left to mindfully interact with our kids. 

But tasks at home are great opportunities to build child-parent bonds.

The next time you’re tackling a household to-do, see if you can share that experience with your child. Can you use the task as a way to teach, learn, and get to know each other better?

• Can you ask questions and listen without judgement? 
• Can you accept and embrace your kiddo’s individuality?
• Can you express appreciation and minimize criticism?
• Can you share and ask about the non-home side of life?

These techniques help build relationship and accountability with one another, both at work and at home.

Let’s build nourishing environments for people to thrive!

xo,