Significant Career Lesson From A Community Relations Manager At 49ers
Saya's most significant career lesson, learned early on, was the importance of treating everyone with kindness and getting to know them as human beings, not just job titles— "ask them how they're doing and mean it," building stronger working relationships and a more positive work environment across the many departments at the 49ers. This approach has been invaluable in Saya's career, fostering collaboration and leading to personal connections.
Communication, Teamwork, Interpersonal Skills, Empathy, Respect
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Saya Lindsay
Community Relations Senior Manager
San Francisco 49ers
Trinity College, 2012
N/A
International Relations & Affairs
Sports & Fitness
Communication and Marketing
Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. Treat everyone with kindness and respect, showing genuine interest in colleagues' lives and work, fosters positive relationships and a more productive work environment.
2. Building relationships with colleagues across different departments is crucial for success, as collaboration is essential for achieving shared goals.
3. Understanding colleagues' passions, strengths, and personal lives beyond their job titles creates a more supportive and collaborative atmosphere. This approach helps build stronger working relationships and a more positive overall experience for everyone involved
Transcript
When I first started this role as an intern, one of my colleagues, who was a friend, role model, and mentor, said, "Treat everyone with kindness." I thought that was crazy. Of course, you treat people with kindness.
She said that when you walk past someone in the hallway, no matter who it is, you should look them in the eye and ask them how they're doing, and mean it. Don't just walk by and wait for your turn, then keep going. Understand who they are.
She mentioned that for this role, they work with so many different people. She's working with nearly every department at the Niners. She loves what she does and hopes that when she works with other departments, they're as excited about what they do.
This creates a really amazing product where everyone is passionate about their different aspects. To bring that thing to life, she wants to get to know the person she's working with. She wants to understand why they got into their job, what they love about it, their strengths, and what they're excited about.
She also asks about their life: their family, and how they are doing. So much of what they do can't be isolated to just a desk; they are people and human beings.
She believes this makes for a better environment when you're working alongside someone who really cares and took the time to ask. For example, asking about their kids starting school and how that went.
Similarly, someone might be going through something unimaginable, and you never know. So, someone just asking how you're doing can be so meaningful.
Treating people with respect and kindness, and getting to know them as human beings first, not just a job title, is invaluable. You gain friends and family along the way.