There’s no denying that sometimes, if you want something done right, you should just do it yourself. Most hard working types who’ve gone through school or training with less than hard working types learn the old fashioned way just how unpleasant collaboration can be — when you end up doing the work yourself whether you want to or not.
But sometimes, you’re fortunate enough to happen upon the yin to your yang, the this to your that, the Bonnie to your Clyde (but with less crime and shooting). Today as The Woman Behind the Curtain and I are out of the office together at NACE Automechanika in Chicago, it’s more prevalent than ever that some tasks are simply better with a wingman (or woman).
It’s not enough to have a teammate who helps with things or assists on tasks resulting in successful completion, no. No, there’s some special chemistry that comes into play when a completion results in a shining resonant song…
So, what makes a good work wingman?
According to The Woman Behind the Curtain:

• They don’t steal your thunder… or project… or opportunity. You either share the thunder or let the lightning strike where it should.
• Your wingman talks you up, makes you look good, and gives you opportunities to shine.
• She keeps you from self-sabotaging: doing things that are harmful, a little dumb, or not quite thought through (thank goodness).
• They act in your best interest and the interest of the team.
• He picks you up when you’re down.  
• Your wingman goes along for the ride… wherever the ride may lead.

And to The Rhythm of Reman:

• They make the work fun… or at least more fun than it would be on your own.
• She pushes you out of your comfort zone. Even though your comfort zone is comfy.
• Your wingman shows you how you shine when you’re feeling a little dull.
• She encourages you to sometimes do things that aren’t harmful, no, but maybe a little more dumb than normal. In a good way.
• He reminds you of the end goal, the big picture, and keeps you focused.
• Your wingman gets you.

When you have a good wingman, you know it. From inside jokes to anticipating needs to being efficient task masters, $%!# gets done. If you don’t have a solid work wingman, there’s only one way to find one: break out of the mindset of “you should just do it yourself”. And that’s to not do it yourself, but to find that rhythm (whether you’re working with the Rhythm of Reman or not) that can come from finding a buddy to work wonders with.

 Having a teammate is great. As the Rhythm of Reman shares this week, having a work wingman – or woman – is something extra. Do you work with the peanut butter to your jelly? Comment below or connect with Andee directly.