Tag: Health

How to Appreciate a Good Manager: Career Reflections

by ETWellness, posted in Careers, Finding My Place in Health & Wellness, Mental health, Smart and Well

My boss suddenly announced his retirement: “I’ve nothing to prove and I’ve worked a gazillion years!” I clapped and smiled, publicly supporting him, but privately I pondered. It has been a while, so this is a good time to share a few notes from my work diary.

Indeed, he’s been a great manager – fair, fun, honest, and even-tempered. He treats our team like grown-ups, professionals, and gets out of our way!  He also doesn’t smother us with his presence or title. He simply manages a team, a WFH one too, with accountability, and respect.  How would you rate your own? What would you like to see in your current or next manager?

I can’t assume the newbie will be so agreeable! They all come with different management styles, levels of maturity, and work experience.  I know a bad boss can have a huge impact on careers and mental health! The worst ones left a lasting impression and motivated me to treat others well. In time, I found greater confidence and a stronger voice. Family, friends, faith, and mentors all helped. So, keep a strong support system!

I’m not far from my manager in age, so I find myself reflecting on my career journey. There is something exhilarating and inspiring about working with decent, positive, supportive people every day.  Managers who listen are rock stars!  Great ones share their own stories, their expertise, and mentor others.  Everyone should experience at least one commited to their growth and success – not just his or her own!

I’m appreciative of all the lessons I’ve learned. I’m so thankful for work, skills mastered, wonderful colleagues, and a paycheck. But, I also welcome my exit some day.  Like my boss, I hope to say I’ve done enough and know it’s time to move on.

Tackling Diversity and Wellness

by ETWellness, posted in Uncategorized

The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) offered a masterful class on a subject that has gotten much attention this past year, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI).  Nicola Finley, MD, was the featured speaker in a virtual program, The Doctor is Inclusive.  Tonia Callender, a GWI research fellow, also shared her experience with race and Wellness.

A friend of mine had worked in the DEI space for years at a large insurance company long before it became part of the public discourse.  We’ve had many conversations about her work and her company’s interest in managing a large dynamic, global workforce.  I learned diversity covers many people and just about anyone if you go beyond the surface.  It can include race, sex, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, age, and more. 

We can all find Wellness in many places, and oddly enough, there are real challenges to access and inclusion for people of color.  We can enjoy a luxurious, expensive destination spa vacation.  We can find Wellness in a Yoga class and even in a knitting circle in a local yarn store. Like everyone else, we seek to find ourselves in nature, in a great massage, and while swimming.  Many enjoy hikes and exercise classes. Some people embrace it while managing businesses. Race shouldn’t be a deterrent or obstacle in our path to Wellness, but it can be.  We heard many heartfelt, poignant stories from people of color trying to traverse life and many challenges to just be well.

I’m happy the GWI had the foresight to start a conversation about DEI and Wellness.  In this new series, a wonderful and necessary conversation has begun among wellness professionals.

The GWI has generously shared this August 3, 2021 link to the recording of the session.

Nicola Findley, MD. – The Doctor is INclusive