More often than I would like to admit, I have felt underappreciated, undervalued, and sometimes even a little overlooked at work. I mean, who hasn’t right? I never felt like I stood out or made a significant impact on a company’s success, despite my exhaustive efforts. After an unexpected turn of events, I found myself asking for a job that wasn’t there. Well, 2 hours of interviewing later and I found myself where I am today, hired as the Assistant to the CEO of ENX2 Marketing, Nicole Farber.
The cliché of “everything happens for a reason” is imprinted on my mind’s eye when I think of how every moment, every decision in my life has led me to where I am right now, and if it had a shape, it would look like a beautiful water crystal. Why that shape? It is inspired by an experiment conducted on the impact of positive versus negative stimuli on water molecules, and the results were breathtaking. Japanese scientist, Masaru Emoto, had realized that directed intentions through positive or negative variables can influence the physical properties of the water as it crystalized. Emoto would take glasses of water and expose them to different words, pictures, and music, then freeze the water. The water that was exposed to only positive words, pictures, and calm, peaceful music was beautiful, structured and organized, in various designs and intricate formations. Meanwhile, the water that was exposed to only negative words, pictures, or loud, heavy music was the complete opposite. These crystals were distorted, malformed, and unorganized, as if there was no structure to their design, just ugly chaos.
So, if the human body is made up of 60% water, let’s take a moment to imagine just how much of what we say could directly impact ourselves and others, knowing how strongly those same words can impact a single water molecule. Then expand upon that thought further still and think about the impact a leader could have on those they directly influence.
I have to admit, I have never had really put that much deep-rooted thought into the relationship I had with a boss before now. What changed? I started working for Nicole!
It’s incredible to see how constructive feedback and guidance, combined with appreciation, encouragement, and support can really make me proud of my work, inspiring me to push myself to be a better version of myself. The direct effect that a person with power and authority can have is something that many employers seem to misunderstand because power and influence are not the same things. A happy employee is more productive, therefore an employee who feels like they aren’t valued or appreciated are fated to be less productive.
- “My team is the best in the world.”
- “I’m so thankful and blessed for my team.”
- “Opportunities will come if you put the work in.”
- “Big things are coming.”
- “The best things happen outside of your comfort zone.”
- “Everything is relationships. That’s what we need to build.”
- “The bigger the storm, the brighter the rainbow!”
- “Let’s be amazing.”
Those are just a few of the amazing things Nicole says on a frequent basis. It’s amazing to see firsthand how something as simple as hearing “Thank you!” on a frequent basis can affect your work ethic and your spirit.
So why aren’t more employers, bosses, and managers like my CEO? To me it’s simple, she genuinely cares about her team and her company’s success. Also, I believe it may be due to the fact that Nicole Farber, CEO of ENX2 Marketing, wasn’t created from a textbook or through an expensive college education. She learned how to lead through first-hand experience. The most incredible part is that she instills the same values and lessons that we all know are expected in the workplace like time management, productivity, and teamwork without barking orders. The key difference, in my opinion, is that she earned the right to call herself a leader. Almost anyone can work their way up to a leadership role but that isn’t the same as earning the right to be called a leader.
In case I haven’t directly stated how thankful I am, here it is. I am so honored to be in an environment that promotes kindness and positivity. This team really is the best, and my CEO truly is inspiring, and I am so happy to finally see myself taking a structured form instead of being a chaotic mess of water.