Ultimate WorkLife Balance: Sharing a Meal

Chesnuts, chai, and chocolate chip cookies. Together they made for the perfect reception upon walking into a colleagues kitchen. My friend is actually my editor and happens to be a fabulous gourmet chef which put me in the position of "guest," as opposed to host, when we decided to get together for lunch and do a bit of business. We opted for her home instead of the workplace.

It’s the holidays, so there’s bound to be lots of goodies floating around the office, or newsroom in my case. But how often do we take the time to sit down for a meal with those we work with. And not necessarily to do business, instead to learn a bit more about the people you daily interact with.

1. Who are they as human beings?
2. What are their likes and dislikes about the work they do?
3. What would they like to see change in your working relationship with them?
4. Being aware of not crossing the lines, are there concerns with their personal life?
5. Is there something you should know that might make life or work easier for both of you?
6. Can you offer support in some way?
7. Can you put down your line of defense or competition to be humble enough to ask for support?

We are all vulnerable during the holidays. Family issues arise, along with thoughts of past holidays. This time of the year acts as a trigger for intense feelings and memories. Thoughts of the future also manifest as we review the year gone by and hope for continued success for 2008.

During my meal and subsequent snacks with my editor Ramin, we learned more about each other than we would have ever discovered on the phone or in the office. A new culture was revealed to me, I learned of a rich history long in the making that being passed down to her child, and a heart opening took place as we both took the time to just explore in a setting other than the office, e-mail or the phone.

We might work with people just like us, or on opposite ends of the spectrum with varied beliefs. My Thanksgiving Day tip for this week is to transcend differences, be inclusive, have gratitude and elevate the conversation among colleagues.