It’s not every day that you meet an incredible individual who will become a long-time colleague, mentor, cheerleader, and friend.
This blog post is a special tribute to my colleague and friend, Stephanie Snyder, who is retiring from many years of public service.
Over the past nine years, I have had the opportunity to work daily with Stephanie in the City Manager’s Office at the City of Rancho Cordova, California. She has worked as a Senior Management Analyst working alongside our City Council and staff. She has also been an incredible asset to the Rancho Cordova community supporting the Sacramento Children’s Museum, California Capital Airshow, the Sacramento Public Library-Rancho Cordova Branch, Cordova Community Council, and much more.
Creating and strengthening friendships in the workplace is important. Relationships help us to feel connected and can help to increase our productivity throughout the day. Having friends in the workplace can have many benefits. Here are some of the benefits I have enjoyed working with Stephanie over the years:
- Laughter—Stephanie and I have shared many, many laughs during our workday.
- Guidance—Stephanie is wise and has been willing to share advice over the years, which has led me to make better decisions.
- Backup in the Office—Stephanie has happily stepped in to provide backup support when I have been out of the office.
- Encouragement—Stephanie was one of my greatest cheerleaders providing encouragement during the writing of my master’s thesis and launching my blog “A Great Day’s Work.”
- Family—Stephanie and I share a love for family. It’s been great fun to take personal interest in our families and to share/listen to family stories over the years.
- Lunch Buddy—Stephanie is great company at lunch. We have enjoyed many, many lunches over the years visiting different restaurants in Rancho Cordova.
- Writer—Stephanie assisted in the writing of my award nomination presented by Office Team as the recipient of the 2012 Administrative Excellence Award.
- Giving—Stephanie invited me to play the piano at Christmas time at her dad’s care facility. She would dress as Santa, encourage the residents and staff to sing Christmas carols, and pass out gifts from Santa to each of the residents and staff members. She is incredibly thoughtful.
- Celebrations—Stephanie is an amazing cook. Thank you, Stephanie, for many years of delicious birthday cakes and tasty goodies.
Friends in the workplace are great treasures! I believe employees can be happier and more productive when friendships are created with other colleagues. Who can you befriend today in your workplace?