I'm learning a bunch through the young professionals at Fishhook! I'm encouraged by them every day.

True confession ... I still think of myself as a young person! Anyone else with me? I'm amazed to have a husband (we're going on 20 years), can't believe we have children (they are 13 and 11), and when someone calls me a "seasoned professional," I usually feel like giggling (I'm still learning so much, and I've been out of college 20+ years). 

Okay, okay, I get it ... I do have more years accrued than several others in the workplace and on the Fishhook team ... but let's not go on and on about it. I love what I've experienced. I'm thankful. And I'm excited to learn more.

So what am I learning? And from whom?

I'm learning a bunch from the young professionals at Fishhook! I'm encouraged by them every day. 

Here are some of the highlights:

  1. The young professionals I work with are eager to figure it out!
    What is "it?" Any issue or problem that presents itself. They Google or YouTube anything to explore, learn and solve. They ask questions. They spend time brainstorming. They jump in to give something a try. There's less fear (not none – but less). We might not figure it out. But there's a very good chance that we could. I'm inspired by the "can-do" attitudes!

  2. They want to be part of meaningful work. What's the vision? What's the cause? And how does their/our work further the vision, support the cause or make a difference? I'm encouraged by them to keep answering the "why" questions ahead of the "what."

  3. They want to keep it real. Our team at Fishhook likes to make people, community and conversation a top priority. Of course, we have work to get done. But first, we try to ask each other, "How are you?" and "How can I help or support you in your work?" And we give each other permission to say, "I'm doing great" or "I'm struggling and here's why." We try not to force or fake it. I believe the younger people at Fishhook are asking for this (actually, I think we all are) and are affirming to Fishhook leaders when we are as open and relational as possible in every season of our work and growth.

  4. Fun and flexibility belong in the workplace! At Fishhook, we have a few guidelines and significant accountability (we track our tasks and hours every day). And then, there is an environment where we allow folks – as much as possible – to work and live in a way that will fuel their creativity and passion for our work and other priorities. At Fishhook, we love: our food, snacks, parties, the back deck, wearing flip flops, attending a conference, a pet visiting the office, getting your kids off the bus and more. We hear again and again that this is a huge motivator for our younger professionals, and they add a bunch of energy and ideas to the fun and flexibility we experience at Fishhook. 
What would you add to this list? What are you learning from the young people you work and serve with? What do you appreciate most about them?