Companionship: Definition And Advantages Of Being A Good Companion
There is a crucial concept when it comes to understanding why some human groups achieve their goals.
Whether we are talking about groups at school, at work or in other activities (such as sports teams), one of the keys for the community to remain cohesive and thus achieve its goals is the fellowship
He fellowship is the bond established between colleagues Companions are individuals who form some type of group or community and who pursue a purpose or objective.
Let’s give several examples to better understand the concept of companionship: “It is essential to foster camaraderie among the members of the basketball team if we want to go far this season”, “The camaraderie of this small company is the key to its success in product development”, “The national team won the trophy thanks to the camaraderie and altruism of midfielders and defenders”, “Teachers have perceived that in some classes there is not good camaraderie among students”.
One of the keys to harmony in a group of people
The concept of companionship It is usually used to define good communication, harmony and cohesion between colleagues
This means that, unfortunately, not all peer relationships are healthy. Some human groups only make sense by attending to a finalist dimension: the fact of sharing an objective, business for example, which forces several people to coordinate efforts. On other occasions, for example in some class groups, students share physical space, but do not develop the communication or affection necessary to create a climate that we could describe as camaraderie.
In schools and institutes there are groups, and perhaps These types of communities are the ones that best allow us to explore the concept of companionship and its many nuances If a course is made up of 30 students, we can affirm that all of them are classmates. Nevertheless, camaraderie does not lie in the fact of sharing a space, but refers to the ability of students to help each other showing altruistic and cooperative attitudes among themselves.
For example, we can observe camaraderie when a student lends a utensil (a pen, a compass…) to a classmate, when it is a situation that occurs spontaneously. Obviously, there are also opposite cases, in which camaraderie is conspicuous by its absence. The extreme scenario that leads us to a situation of zero camaraderie is bullying: when a part of the group of students harasses, insults and mistreats a student.
Camaraderie in companies: a value in the doldrums?
In business organizations, Many managers have realized the importance of promoting camaraderie among employees with the aim of laying the necessary foundations to achieve economic objectives The cohesion between the members of the different work groups allows each of them to perform more and better, developing better capabilities that allow the necessary synergy so that the result of the group action is optimal.
In fact, some time ago we published an article where we talked about teamwork. You can consult it:
Teams whose members share ethical standards, values and objectives are those that have the best chance of succeeding Camaraderie, however, not only results in improved productivity, but also makes everyday work life more pleasant and is one of the essential requirements for establishing climates of trust and camaraderie.
How to improve camaraderie in the work environment?
Two of the best factors that help establish bonds of group cohesion in the work environment are welfare and the solidarity between colleagues
We propose some essential points to create a fruitful work environment:
1. Communication with all members
It is important that team members communicate and establish relationships with as many colleagues as possible (ideally, with everyone). Know each other well and know the strengths and weaknesses of each member, as well as their needs and work pace. Get to know others It is also the best way to know what each member can contribute to the team
2. Open mind
In groups of many people, It is common for individuals from different cultural and religious backgrounds to coexist, and even with a diversity of sexual orientations and divergent personalities. When the foundations are not created so that people can understand each other despite their differences, the work dynamic can seriously suffer.
3. Kindness and trust
Veteran members should welcome new group members in a friendly and careful manner, avoiding jokes and making newbies feel uncomfortable or out of place. Besides, They must take the responsibility of teaching everything possible to the new ones so that they adapt easily and so that your stay in the company is a positive and uplifting experience.
4. Criticism must be constructive
We must avoid judging others at all costs. Criticism must be made with a conciliatory spirit and in a constructive manner, reflecting on how we can help optimize the work process in each of its phases, and taking into account members’ efforts to be restrained and fair when pointing out problems or errors. We must try not to hurt people’s sensitivities, looking for words and contexts in which criticism is well received, and emphasizing the positive and the change that can be implemented.
Accepting criticism is knowing how to prioritize the good progress of the group over personal ego. When we listen to constructive criticism and try to reflect on its content, The most normal thing is that we realize some things that fail and therefore we end up becoming more prepared and effective professionals
Reflecting on fellowship
Camaraderie within companies can make a big difference in terms of productivity. When a group of individuals working together learn to respect and treat each other with the firm will to improve as professionals and as people, There will be enormous chances that they will achieve their goals, since the extra that motivation and cohesion brings to the final product is more than notable
However, when the work environment is tense and there is not a pleasant atmosphere in the workplace, The routine becomes monotonous and personal effort ceases to have meaning beyond the mere “fulfillment of the obligation.” This very negatively affects productivity. A team without camaraderie is a poorly motivated and, ultimately, dysfunctional team. In particularly hostile work environments, cases of mobbing may even appear.
The ultimate meaning of companionship is group well-being above individual whims. Trying to achieve cohesion among all members allows all individuals to grow and feel happier in their workplace; something essential to be happy with our lives in general.
