Why you need to lift your peers
SHAKING THE TREE #90
At some point in the early 1990s I came across an album called Bound by the Beauty by the Canadian singer-songwriter Jane Siberry.
It’s an album of beautifully haunting, enchanting music on which there’s a fabulous song called The Life Is the Red Wagon, which includes the following lyrics in its chorus:
The life is the red wagon rolling along
The life is the red wagon simple and strong
The life is the red, is the red, oh, it's no big deal
But when the feet are dragging you pull for me
And I pull for you, you pull for me and I pull for you
℗ 1989 Reprise Records
It’s that last line that’s always struck me: the vision of someone pulling for me as I’d pull for them.
Which brings me to the idea of helping others.
Supporting our peers isn't just about offering a helping hand when it’s needed;
it's more to do with creating a lasting foundation for a thriving, collaborative environment.
When we champion the efforts of others we add to an invisible tapestry that weaves together lasting, meaningful threads of empathy, innovation, and collective growth.
By lending a hand—by adding an encouraging comment or by sharing someone else’s story—we go beyond simply being a nice person, we become someone’s champion.
When we champion someone else’s win or achievement we demonstrate degrees of caring that foster a sense of lasting trust that, if we’re fortunate, comes back to us through little ripples of reciprocity.
When we celebrate other people’s victories with our peers—and whether those wins are big or small—we cultivate empathy.
Seeing things from another's perspective becomes easier, allowing us to understand diverse viewpoints and experiences.
This, in turn, becomes the fertile ground for innovative ideas to take root and flourish.
When we champion someone else’s gain or win, we’re not competing with them, we’re cheering for them.
Imagine a team where celebrating a colleague's success isn't seen as competition, but as inspiration to push further and achieve one's own goals. That's the power of collaborative spirit nurtured by peer support.
Peer support isn't just about celebrating wins; it's also about providing a listening ear during challenging times. Actively listening to a peer's struggles fosters a sense of belonging and security.
Knowing you have a support system to fall back on builds resilience, the mental toughness needed to bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward.
Furthermore, by celebrating each other's successes and offering encouragement during challenges, we help cultivate a positive mindset within the group. This collective optimism fuels motivation and propels everyone towards achieving their full potential.
The benefits of peer support extend far beyond the individual or the team. It's the cornerstone of a socially responsible environment.
When we support each other, we foster a sense of community, a space where cooperation takes precedence over competition. This collaborative spirit translates into a willingness to address societal challenges together.
Imagine a world where communities come together to tackle environmental issues, social inequalities, or educational disparities. The power of collective action, fueled by a foundation of peer support, can be an unstoppable force for positive change.
Supporting our peers isn't some fleeting act of kindness; it's a conscious choice with far-reaching consequences. By lifting each other up we create a ripple effect of empathy, innovation, and social responsibility. In a world that often celebrates individualism, let's champion the power of collaboration. Let’s have that rising tide float everyone’s boat.
Let's celebrate each other's victories, let’s offer a listening ear during struggles, and let’s foster a spirit of collective growth.
Because as we rise together, we weave a stronger, more compassionate, and innovative tapestry for the future. So, let's start building – together.
As always, thanks for reading.
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P.S. Next time on Shaking the Tree … What not to do when a customer asks you for help