Having a strong network is one of the top predictors of career advancement.But with hybrid work, more silos, and busier schedules, where do you start?
With Community Circles, we match groups of like-minded colleagues and provide guided sessions for authentic connection, so you can meaningfully grow your network and deepen your sense of purpose at Alabama Power in just one quarter.
60%
of employees report feeling lonely.
“Employees still feel more detached from -- and less satisfied with -- their organizations and are less likely to connect to the companies’ mission and purpose or to feel someone cares about them as a person.”-GALLUP, January 2024
Having strong, inclusive connections at Alabama Power can make all the difference in feeling like you belong and can thrive here. In fact, research shows that employees with strong networks are more likely to stay longer, get promoted, and have more fun at work.Yet relationships take time and skill to build. With increasingly spread-out and diverse teams, busier schedules, and fewer opportunities to socialize, it’s becoming harder and harder to build strong relationships - and strong networks - on your own.
That's why CSBD is launching Community Circles, a new social experience designed to help you meet fellow coworkers and grow your network here in a meaningful way.
This year, we've partnered with the folks at The Gathering Lab to bring you an easier, more enjoyable way for you to find and get to know like-minded colleagues across our department. From August - November, you'll have the opportunity to build closer connections with a group of 5-7 coworkers who share your values and interests. Here's how it's different than your typical work happy hour:
Small, meaningfully matched "Circles"
It takes more than having similar roles to click with a colleague. For Community Circles, we'll match you into a group of colleagues who share your values and interests, so that you meet people you're more likely to build a strong connection with over time.
Four lightly structured sessions
Once matched, your Circle will go on a journey of discovering what lights y'all up and what you have in common, from the light-hearted to the meaningful. Between August - November, you'll enjoy four lightly structured sessions that remove the awkward small-talk and create opportunities for joyful conversation. From values discovery to sharing aspirations, each session helps you get to know each other's gifts, interests, and values at and outside of work. You'll also attend a Community Circles Kick-Off Social in August where you'll first meet your Circle as well as other colleagues in CSBD.
Paired Coffee Chat
As part of this experience, you'll be matched with a colleague who is highly aligned with your life stage, aspirations, interests, and values. We'll set y'all up to meet sometime over the quarter, with a few lighthearted prompts to get the conversation started.
CSBD Culture Ambassador
Your Circle will have a dedicated ambassador from our Culture Committee, who will make sure your Circle has what it needs to be successful and serve as a resource along the way.
HOW IT WORKS
Let us know you're interested
March - April
If you're ready to grow your circle here in an intentional way, let us know by completing the CSBD Culture Committee’s interest form.
Tell us what makes you you
May
If accepted, we'll invite you to complete the Community Circles questionnaire so we can start matching you to your Circle.
Get matched
August
Based on your profile, we'll match you with a small group of colleagues across CSBD whom you're likely to get along with.
Attend Kick Off Social
August
We'll kick things off by bringing everyone together for an event to socialize across the department and start getting to know your Circle.
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Meet with your Circle
August - November
Over the quarter, get together with your Circle 1x a month for a lightly structured session.
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LEARN MORE
If you are interested in learning more about The Gathering Lab method, check out their website below.
© The Gathering Lab, Inc. All rights reserved.