The Business of Friendship: Making the Most of Our Relationships Where We Spend Most of Our Time

Description

It is virtually impossible to feel connected and supported in life when you don't feel that way where you spend most of our time-at work. In The Business of Friendship, friendship expert Shasta Nelson unpacks the distinct ways we can make work relationships the healthiest they can be, both for the sake of the employee and the mission of the company. She inspires readers to see why friendship is crucial to our health and our careers, and teaches us exactly how to develop the supportive and meaningful connections we need. Our organizations benefit as friendships at work result in higher levels of workplace productivity, employee retention, safety, innovation, collaboration, and profitability. In having a best friend at work, we are seven times more engaged in our job, which translates to better customer service, less absenteeism, fewer workplace accidents, and more loyalty to our organizations. Through Shasta's stories, research, and practical guidance, she: Breaks down what creates healthy bonds and reveals the 3 requirements necessary in all healthy relationships and teams. Helps managers and employees assess the health of their relationships and learn ways to repair and improve them. Provides advice for addressing some of the biggest fears around workplace friendships, such as increased drama, favoritism, confidentiality, gossip, toxic coworkers, relationship with bosses, and potential romantic attractions. The Business of Friendship is for those who are ready to maximize the two most significant factors of our wellbeing-career and relationships. Whether you are a leader or an employee, when you feel more connected and supported at work, everyone wins.

Shasta Nelson, MDiv, is a leading expert on friendship and healthy relationships, creator of a global community, keynote speaker, author of several books, and popular media resource. She is turned to frequently for her expertise by magazines and newspapers, online and print, including New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, Forbes, Real Simple, and Health, and has been interviewed on TV shows such as Steve Harvey's Steve, Katie Couric's Katie, Fox Business, The Early Show, and TODAY. As a keynote speaker and trainer, she speaks across the country, facilitates company off-sites, and consults with organizations committed to connection. Her spirited and soulful voice for strong relationships can be found in her previous books, Frientimacy: How to Deepen Friendships for Lifelong Health and Happiness (Seal Press/Hachette, 2016) and Friendships Don't Just Happen! The Guide to Creating a Meaningful Circle of Girlfriends (Turner Books, 2013).

'Every manager should be buying this book for every person on their team.' --Aaron Hurst, Founder of Taproot Foundation and Imperative 'What impressed me most is her authenticity and talent for synthesizing research and relatable human experiences... She is rapidly becoming to friendship what Brene Brown is to courage.' --Rae Tanner, Head of Enterprise Learning and Development, Farmers Insurance Now we have a guidebook for workplace relationships that will motivate our employees and managers and teach them step-by-step how to foster the healthy relationships that will leave them more engaged.' --Keith Ferrazzi, author of NYT Bestseller Never Eat Alone Shasta is one of the leading voices in social health and in The Business of Friendship she not only inspires, but she gives us the practical strategy for how all of us can better show up at work and pursue healthier and more meaningful connections.' --Aaron Kahlow, Founder of the Society for Social Health and amp; Well-Being 'Shasta is a true, unapologetic pioneer in embracing, celebrating, and expanding the research and reality of friendship... and I can't wait for more organizations to take her words seriously and foster more of the communities we all need.' --Gina Bianchini, CEO and amp; Founder of Mighty Networks Shasta Nelson courageously tackles one of the most dynamic elements in business--friendships. The Business of Friendship provides great insights for organizational leaders and practitioners on one of the key elements of employee engagement and performance. --Jim Harter, PhD., Chief Scientist of Workplace Management and Well-Being at a global analytics organization