The Family We're Gifted With At Work

This week had a fun moment for me. Several months ago, I had the privilege of participating in an episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast with Mark Jewell which you can listen to here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3NRTGbGHNqZvCgGLrmbMex?si=7e253ba102754a06 . It was a real honor, and it got me thinking about what it means to be part of this work family.

Here at Ag Partners Cooperative, Inc, we're more than just colleagues—we're like a family. Sure, there are folks we're always happy to run into by the coffee machine or scale and others...well, let's just say it's like having a big family dinner at Thanksgiving. And yes, every family has that one member who's a bit out there. If you're sitting there puzzled, wondering who it could be, it might just be time to look in the mirror! But remember, without them, we'd miss out on a lot of laughs and some good stories.

Every single person in this team, from the quiet ones to the life of the party, adds something special to our mix. It's easy to forget, especially when deadlines to get in the field or other deadlines loom and the coffee runs out, but each one of us brings something invaluable to the table. Our diversity isn't just about ticking boxes; it's the secret sauce that makes us strong, creative, and successful.

Like any family, we have our ups and downs. We celebrate wins together and huddle up to find solutions during tough times. It's this bond that carries us through, making the good times better and the hard times easier to bear. Our team is filled with great people and great people find ways to win in hard times. I couldn’t be prouder of the family I go to work with.

This Week's Challenge: Let's make it a point to show a little extra appreciation for our work family. Find a moment to tell a teammate what you value about them. It could be their knack for lightening the mood with a joke, their ability to solve problems like a boss, or just their presence, which makes every day a bit brighter.

As we continue for the next year or the rest of our careers, let's not lose sight of the remarkable group of people we have around us. Our work family is unique, and it's worth celebrating every single day.

I’m thankful that you were willing to go to work today, that you took the time to read this, and for being a part of what makes the world wonderful!