This column is part of a 2024 series celebrating learnings from NST’s 50 years in business.
“I need a vacation” — we’ve all heard someone utter these words, usually in the midst of busy days and long “to do” lists. I’m lucky enough to have just returned from a trip myself — a week in Hawaii with my 5-year-old son and my parents. Yes, it was an opportunity to take a time out and relax by the pool and beach — but it was also a time to explore the things we love, like hiking, snorkeling and riding ATVs.
Fueling our personal passions is not only good for the soul, but it’s also good for us as whole people and how we show up to work. At NST, we encourage our entire team to explore their passions through an Exploration Fund, money set aside for each person to pursue new interests and learn new things.
In past decades at NST, this money was reserved for more traditional forms of professional development — seminars, online classes and conferences on public relations strategies and tactics, digital media skills and the latest in issues management, for example. And while our team is still encouraged to explore these professional development opportunities, they are also encouraged to take a new cooking class, or try their hand at pottery, jewelry making or painting, or explore other passions that may fuel them.
We believe that happier and more fulfilled people overall will make happier and more fulfilled team members, something we deeply desire and recognize is critical to our business success. That said, I recognize taking time out to fuel one’s passions can, at times, be easier said than done. After all, the “to do” list doesn’t “do” itself. While I’m certainly no expert at always carving time out to explore personally, I give it my best shot … and keep on trying. It’s also important to remember that exploration and passion seeking doesn’t always have to be big and time intensive. It can be as simple as reading a new book, going for a run and taking small time outs to prioritize oneself. The end result can be newfound inspiration, fulfillment and joy — things we’re all after.
Read about other lessons learned during our 50-year journey.
