Got_Your_Back

The urban dictionary defines  “Got Your Back” as follows:

An expression assuring someone that you are watching out for them. Comes from making someone is safe by watching what’s behind them when they’re busy looking ahead.

We all know and appreciate people in our lives who have had our back in various ways.  And there is no greater expression of loyalty than assuring you have someone else’s back in return.  Perhaps the best example of this happens in the military.  A tight platoon of soldiers has each other’s back and ensures everyone in their company is safe.  In turn, collectively, they have our nation’s back and keep us safe while we are looking ahead.  These soldiers put the needs of our country ahead of their own individual needs even if it means paying the ultimate sacrifice.  At its core, that is why our military is so honored and revered in this country.

As managers in the workplace, we have to adopt this same mentality.  If you want to engender loyalty, trust, and unity within your team, you need to demonstrate the ability to your put your employees’ needs above your own.   Stepping in to help close a deal without taking credit.  Fighting to gain extra compensation for a team member even if it will not directly benefit you.  Allowing extra time off for a team member who may be caring for a sick parent or spouse.  This demonstration of selflessness and compassion pays huge dividends on both the personal and business fronts.  Most employees hunger and thirst for real leadership.    And, unfortunately, it seems to be in diminishing supply in corporate America.  But the highest performing teams have leaders who demonstrate, through actions not words, that they care for their employees more than their own self-interests.  That is why team members are willing to run through brick walls in order to deliver results for these types of leaders.  If you truly have your team’s back, you will be repaid with productivity and personal satisfaction you never thought possible.

The same is also true in our family lives.  Putting the needs of our family above our own is critical to ensuring that the entire unit survives. We all work hard so our children can receive a proper education and live a comfortable life.  That is the American Dream and it comes naturally to most of us.  But we also have to ensure that our children, spouse, brothers, sisters, parents and other family members know we have their back in other ways.  In my pre-teen years, I would occasionally get in trouble at school (okay, fine, more than occasionally!)  I still remember one afternoon when I was blamed for something I didn’t do (I swear!) and was sent home from school for the day.  As I trudged toward our house, I felt as if no one was in my corner and no one had my back.   What an incredibly lonely feeling!  But all that changed as I walked up our front steps.  My mom immediately opened the door, gave me a hug and told me she believed me and would always be there for me.  Way to have my back, mom!  There is nothing more critical to your happiness and success than your trusted group of friends and family who have your back.  And there is nothing more important than repaying those people by ensuring that you will always have their back in return.

It is nearly impossible to lead a resilient life without relying on these close relationships at both home and in the office.   Resilience is not something that happens in a vacuum.   We cannot go it alone when things are falling apart all around us.  We need someone to watch our back so we can keep moving forward.  The smallest gesture of loyalty or support from a family member or colleague can turn a disaster into a mere bump in the road.  Think about the people who have helped you through the difficult times.  Is there anything you wouldn’t do for them?  At the same time, think about how many people you have supported in their moment of need.  It does not go unnoticed.  Our military is predicated upon loyalty, selfless service and personal courage.  We need to demonstrate those same values in our personal lives and business lives to ensure we continue to live in a resilient world.   Stay strong!  Stay loyal!  Be resilient!  And, don’t worry if things don’t go as planned.  Someone will always have your back.

Until next week, keep smiling!