When you don't feel supported by your organization, you still do the work. But eventually, it stops feeling valued or appreciated. Sometimes encouragement from customers or your team helps you hold on longer because at least someone sees the impact you're making.
I remember years ago working with a colleague to create a mini-retreat for our team of 10 professionals. Positive feedback and intentional team connection weren't organizational priorities at the time. We had to think carefully about how to ask permission to spend our own money on an after-hours team-building dinner. What struck me most was the fear that supporting our team well might make other managers look bad for not doing the same. We were determined not to let our lack of organizational support become the reason our team felt unsupported.
