Treat other people the way you want to be treated—simple right?

I can feel you rolling your eyes through the screen but hear me out. We take this golden rule for granted but it’s not always easy to hold onto that humanity when it comes to business. The bottom line so often gets in the way. In resistance to this idea, I try to take a human approach to my work as an Account Manager. Both because I value connection and believe that genuine relationship building is the key to making meaningful, effective work that lasts.

My wide-ranging experience has shown me time and again that the communities we build are the heartbeat of any group with collective goals. These lessons taught me to keep human connection close and pride myself on my empathy and individualization. I love to identify and encourage the unique talents and perspectives of folks (or organizations) and believe the best collaborations happen when each player is leaning into their strengths.

I worked for a Labor Union during the fraught presidential election of 2016 (yikes), where I witnessed what true solidarity looks like in practice. Community organizing taught me to connect and communicate with a wide range of folks from low-wage workers to government officials. Understanding each partner’s unique perspective and goals was essential while operating with compassion and understanding built our collective strength. This was most clear in my collaborative speech writing with our members. The process required getting to know them and deeply understanding what they wanted to express. I loved empowering people with information and helping them tell their own stories. We made massive strides together during a tumultuous moment by appreciating the strengths of our members and trusting in our common humanity.

The lessons and connections of this time made an enduring impact on how I live and work. I try to keep these three principles front and center:

Kindness is Key

I make an effort to operate from a place of compassion and was looking for the same when I first applied to J2. During my interview process, one of the account team members answered the question “what is your favorite part of your job?” with “having a team you trust and knowing they will have your back when things go awry (which they do in work and in life).” This really stuck with me. Working with a team that prioritizes cooperation and respect, even in adversity, keeps me sane and encourages my best work. More than that, the way we treat our clients and each other sets the tone for every project we undertake.

Center Collaboration

Collaboration, within J2 and with our clients, starts with compassionate listening. Understanding the unique perspectives of each partner gets the ball rolling. Balancing those differences, aligning on common goals, and working closely together to realize success makes the magic happen. Check in often, ask lots of questions, and collaborate in good faith.

Encourage Individuality

We are all different but we can achieve so much when we understand and empathize with each other. We cultivate community power and purpose when we trust and value everyone’s varied knowledge and talents. Each person has their own skills and strengths and by identifying, appreciating, and mobilizing them, we build teams that are greater than the sum of their parts. We work better together.