“Be Intentional”: Chani Cordero on Embracing Work Friendships

I want to share an experience that was both heart-wrenching and uplifting in equal measures. Recently, I attended a funeral for an employee who had been a part of our hospital family for over two decades. She was more than just a coworker; she was a friend, a mentor, and for many, the embodiment of a true bad azz (as stated by her son in the funeral).

Her supervisor was familiar with her family. They had shared countless laughs and tears over the years, their bond transcending the usual work relationships. It was evident in the way he spoke about her and the genuine sorrow in his voice that he didn’t just lose an employee, but a friend. He even made collard greens in reminiscence of their annual holiday banter of the great debate of green bean casserole versus collard greens.

This got me thinking about the often-overlooked side of our work lives: the friendships we forge and the shared experiences that shape us.

In the military, I learned the importance of camaraderie and unity. The friendships I have weren’t just born out of shared responsibilities; they were forged in adversity, long work hours, and what we call, “embracing the suck.” Those friendships have stood the test of time.

The same holds for our work lives. When we spend so much of our waking hours at work, it’s inevitable that we form connections that run deeper than mere professional courtesy. These relationships can be a source of happiness and support, and positively impacting our lives in ways we often don’t appreciate.

As I stood there, amidst a sea of mourners, I couldn’t help but marvel at the impact one person could have on so many lives. It was a reminder of the importance of cherishing our work relationships, of celebrating the shared laughter and the unique bond that comes from working towards a common goal.

I urge you all to embrace these work friendships. Take the time to get to know your colleagues. Be intentional.

In the end, it’s not just about maintaining a work-life balance; it’s about creating a life that blends our work and personal experiences into relationships, experiences, and memories. After all, we are not just defined by what we do, but also by the people we share our journey with.

Let’s make that journey count.

This piece was written by Chani Cordero, CIO at Brooke Army Medical Center.