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By Kirk McCarley

My work as a career and leadership development coach delivers clients with varied wish lists.  Many seek job opportunities that can yield greater financial reward.  Others want a greater sense of purpose or the ability to have an impact.  There are those yearning to better develop executive presence.  Still more want to shift industries or a line of work.

And there are many other motivations.

Upon occasion, someone might share that they are seeking an environment where they can develop true comradeship and enjoy relationships with co-workers who share similar values.  That got me to considering the difference in job satisfaction rates between employees who feel a connection with their workmates vs. those who don’t.  My guess is it’s significant.

What would be the characteristics of a workplace where employees have a sense of connection?  For those environments where that does not exist, what needs to happen to bring that about?

I would venture that the first ingredient is a clear purpose and mission, simple and inarguable.  One of the most enjoyable periods in my 31 years in local government was when that sort of culture existed.

In that example, the elected executive leader of our organization shared a clear vision:  to strive for the county, in this instance, to champion economic development and deliver outstanding customer service.  Clear, simple, and inarguable:  an ambition that almost all can rally around.  It was a rewarding time.

Second, strong work relationships will more likely exist when there are shared values.  Is there a general agreement as to the difference between right and wrong?  Do team members not only strive to adhere to ethical values, but also to conduct themselves in such a way that their behavior is viewed by others as upstanding?  Do they prescribe to a spirit of “selflessness,” adopting practices that are for the good of the whole, as opposed to the benefit of just a few?

Third, do team members not only know their roles, but how their jobs benefit the mission?

In my many years with ESPN Radio, we have typically functioned with a seven-member crew for the production of football.  First, there is an Engineer.  Their job is fundamental:  making sure that the equipment is functioning and wired so that the audio is seamlessly broadcast to affiliate stations throughout the country.  There is also a Producer, who assures that the production is in synch with the breaks for which the advertisers have invested significantly.  That job queues who “announces” when.  In addition, there is a Spotter who helps the broadcasters identify who makes a tackle, blocks a kick, or was injured.  My role as a statistician is to supply the broadcasters with up-to-date statistical information that is pertinent and aligns with what is being communicated on the airwaves.

Lastly, the broadcasters or “talent” is who listeners hear.  Often, the talent consists of a sideline reporter, color analyst, and play by play.  To me, a near perfect broadcast contains the basic elements of the communication of accurate information, a degree of “excitement” to stimulate listener interest, and the development of storylines that maintain that interest.  A strong broadcast is like inviting the listener into the broadcast booth with us to become part of the conversation.

I consider it a privilege to work in this environment and to have built valuable friendships and connections with the team.  That honor surpasses any of the other “benefits” that may be afforded by the corporate organization.

My hope for all is that your workplace is a venue that you enjoy for more reasons than it helps with paying bills.  If it is not that now, I pray that either it can become that, or you discover an environment that provides that enjoyment and satisfaction. Whether at work or at home, I encourage you to savor your relationships and seek to further build friendships in 2026.

A graduate of the University of North Texas, Kirk McCarley is a Certified Professional Coach as well as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and SHRM-CP Certified. He is also a Production Assistant for both college football and basketball for ESPN and leads group cycling classes as a Certified Spinning instructor. Contact kirk@theseedsowercoach.com, theseedsowercoach.com, or call  (314) 677-8779.

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