Responsible

Let’s talk corporate social responsibility. And not the initiative a corporation puts out to align with a cause or engage the local community but the responsibility (or pressure) you feel to join in on corporate social activities with your colleagues. Whether it’s happy hour, cake in a conference room or a volunteer project, you join the “fun” because it’s what you’re “supposed” to do. By participating you look like a team player, it gives you more visibility, people like you and then they want to work with you. Sounds simple right?

The battle between self care and corporate social responsibility is always tough. Recently while on a business trip I had a decision to make. After a series of long days I found myself crashing and burning and faced with a team dinner on our final night in town. I really wanted to go and celebrate our accomplishments however, I was so tired I had an attitude. You know when you feel like a walking zombie in heat? That was me. I knew I needed sleep and after sacrificing my own self-care for the greater good of the team, I had a big choice to make. Do I go to a dinner I am too tired to attend or do I initiate self-care and take my behind to bed?

When I was younger this was a much easier decision to make. Of course I wanted to hang out, I had all that energy. I also needed and wanted the validation. Look at me do this thing! Aren’t I good at it? Pick me! Like me! As I’ve gotten older self-care has become so much more important. I am also at a place where my work speaks for itself. My need to be noticed and validated doesn’t exist in the same way it did 10 years ago. Most importantly, I know that if I’m not at my best I won’t be my best to other people whether at a dinner or a meeting.

Ultimately, I made the decision to skip the dinner, return to my hotel room and sleep. I woke up the next day refreshed, energetic and in a much better mood. I was also a better teammate because I took the time to do something for me.  It’s so easy to get caught up in what we feel we should do in order to look a certain way to other people. The harder thing is to remember how you look to yourself and put that first of all.

Author: Cherrón