06/07/2020
This week, we are proud to share Rachel Kennedy’s experience at Sendero and how our core value of Shared Success has shaped the way she approaches work each day.
In a recent podcast episode, Brene Brown describes the 50/50 myth. Early in her marriage, she thought strong, lasting relationships required a 50/50 “you pull your weight and I’ll pull mine” dynamic; however, she quickly learned otherwise. We are not invincible to the highs and lows of life—whether at home or in the workplace, and we do ourselves no favors in trying to pretend that we are. Instead, she argues, strong, lasting relationships are established when your partner, friend, or coworker can count on you to rally with your 80 when he or she is at a 20. They are demonstrated when your partner shows up at 90 when you are down to a 10. Such relationships require both trust and humility and are foundational to Sendero’s core value of Shared Success.
Shared success can mean a number of different things, for example:
- Showing up for your coworkers when they need you.
- Never having a “that’s not my job” mentality, and knowing “leaders eat last”.
- Celebrating victories together and walking through losses together.
- Stepping aside to empower others to lead new project initiatives, knowing everyone wins when we all learn.
- Investing time in recognizing and becoming an expert on your team members’ strengths.
- Knowing your limitations and asking for help when you need it.
- Reflecting on the larger ecosystem of your team, project, and community, and striving for an optimal outcome for all.
I’ve seen my coworkers demonstrate Shared Success in countless ways since joining Sendero. I’ve seen it in teammates organizing meal trains and rallying to cover the work of a coworker grieving a loved one. I’ve seen it in coworkers organizing fitness class fundraisers to promote employee well-being and benefit the community. I’ve seen it when one of our Managing Directors dedicated time to training me on contracts when I was a brand new Associate after I casually expressed interest. I’ve seen it in my coworker who invited a team of us to design and build a playhouse to benefit Dallas CASA (despite my prior nonexistent experience with power tools).
I’ve also found that Shared Success doesn’t always come naturally, but it always yields the highest reward. Recently, I proposed a pro bono project for the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program (DVAP). Once the project got approved, I was conflicted about my level of involvement. I wanted to ensure a successful project outcome, but I was stretched thin with client work and midway through another pro bono commitment. In the end, I decided to step back and trust other Senderoans to run with it. A few weeks later, I attended one of their team meetings and was in awe of the team’s passion and progress. As I observed them brainstorm solutions that I never would have generated independently, I was humbled to realize that the best thing I could have done for the DVAP project’s success was step aside and watch my coworkers shine.