Think about the qualities of the people you enjoy working with … and embody them.
A colleague and I were recently musing about the term, “easy to work with,” which, to me, is a simple-yet-profound qualifier. As we discussed the traits of people we’ve found easy to work with over our careers, I noted that the term, for me, evolved over time…
Early in my career, I probably would have defined “easy to work with” as someone who:
- had a warm, generous disposition
- provided information or guidance freely and proactively
- showed engagement and excitement in our team’s work/direction and contributed valuable time and expertise to advance our collective goals
- committed to action, productivity and results
- was transparent, trustworthy and worked with integrity
- was accountable/reliable
In a highly-competitive climate, this included managers who:
- set clear, attainable objectives
- provided broader context for decisions
- shared roadmaps to success
- treated others with respect
- offered thoughtful, actionable feedback
These were folks I respected and trusted, and also the people I wanted to partner, hypothesize and brainstorm with; They were curious about me personally and my work, and I was naturally curious about them and their work. We solved challenges, celebrated wins, traveled, and grew … together.
As I grew as a professional, this definition expanded to include those who:
- were people-first (not necessarily “warm”)
- led with clarity of thought and strategic vision
- communicated deliberately and with intention
- showed up with both confidence and humility (and quickly shut down nonsense)
- championed growth, learning and development (versus “blaming and shaming”)
- thoughtfully challenged ideas, concepts and processes
- were curious, inclusive and self-aware
- demonstrated resilience
- welcomed data, insights and feedback
- recognized others’ contributions
- had an innate sense of “what truly matters”
Later, my definition also included clients and business partners who:
- extended a seat at the table
- shared both credit and accountability
- were brave and spoke hard truths
- questioned assumptions and thought creatively
- championed and defended our work and each other
- trusted/valued my expertise
- assumed positive intent
- embraced a team mindset
- expressed gratitude
Today, I’d define “easy to work with” people as confident and kind, humble and smart, strategic and curious, professional and empathetic, inclusive and self-aware, clear, collaborative and vulnerable. These are the people I most admire, appreciate, and aspire to be…
…and I’m wildly fortunate to be surrounded by them every day.
Because “easy to work with” defines my tribe today. Across my clients, my business partners and collaborators, my peers, colleagues, and friends … I’m not sure I can point to anyone in my circle who is NOT easy to work with.
This realization, my friends, is not lost on me for a single second.
So, find people who are easy to work with … And try every day to be someone others find easy to work with, too.
It makes work a delight and a joy, even when tough roads are ahead.
With more than two decades of communications experience spanning agencies, Fortune-100 organizations, non-profits and academia, Kristi Hinck Mills brings her passion for communications to CommsLede Consulting, where she delivers strategic communication solutions and executive coaching for her clients. Visit the CommsLede blog for more tips.
