I lost my dad six years ago. He was 78.
His quest to connect with his blood family has profoundly shaped my understanding of trust. My father never knew his real father. As a baby, following his parents’ divorce, he was given away to a young couple who didn’t have children of their own.
He grew up with two mothers, eventually reconnecting with his biological mum, as his adoptive parents were distant relatives.
My mum once told me about his efforts to reconnect with his blood relatives. Unfortunately, the meeting didn’t go as he had hoped; his relatives were not as warm to him as he had wished.
In those moments, I imagine how profoundly down and desolate he must have felt. This episode demonstrated my dad’s deep longing to know his blood family, to understand his origins.
He had wonderful adoptive parents – my grandparents – who nurtured and cared for him, sacrificing everything.
Yet, in moments of solitude, he yearned to know his biological father, to discover what he was like as a person. His story, a testament to the complexities of family and the enduring nature of trust, brings to mind a poignant quote from ‘Mrs Doubtfire’: “Some parents, when they’re angry, they get along much better when they don’t live together… But if there’s love, dear… those are the ties that bind, and you’ll have a family in your heart, forever.” This personal journey finds its parallel in the professional world.
Recently, I facilitated a session for a start-up focused on creating a vision that everyone could believe in. We centred around the creation of compelling content on sustainable development.
This session illustrated how a shared mission and vision can be the binding glue in an organisation, much like the familial bonds my father sought. When the team aligned around this shared vision, their creativity and productivity soared, fostering trust and mutual respect that transcends individual differences.
In our professional lives, we navigate diverse relationships, much like my father did in his familial connections. The dynamics of trust we experience at work are akin to those in our personal lives.
Leaders, similar to parents in a family, play a crucial role in fostering a trusting environment. Their actions and attitudes set the tone for nurturing relationships within the organisation.
In today’s world, where the traditional concept of family has evolved, so too, has the workplace. Employees seek more than just a job; they desire a place where they feel valued and trusted. This trust leads to higher employee engagement, better performance, and loyalty, similar to how trust in a family fosters a sense of security and belonging.
As my father found solace in his adoptive family and friendships, we find comfort in the reliable bonds formed at work. These bonds help us navigate through challenges, celebrate successes, and provide a sense of stability, akin to a family.
The quote from ‘Mrs Doubtfire’ articulates how, despite changes and challenges, the core of a relationship, be it familial or professional, remains anchored in love and trust. This is especially relevant in today’s dynamic work environment, where change is constant, and adaptability is key.
Just as families evolve and adapt, so too do professional relationships, requiring nurturing, understanding, and sometimes, redefinition to thrive.
Trust is a universal need, transcending the boundaries of personal and professional lives. The lessons learnt from my father’s journey resonate deeply in the workplace.
Trust is not just a ‘nice-to-have’; it’s a fundamental aspect of any thriving relationship, whether with family, friends, or colleagues. It is the underlying thread that binds us, whether we’re connected by blood, choice, or professional necessity.
As for my dad, his absence is felt every day, leaving a space that once resonated with his wisdom and warmth. My mother, especially, feels this void profoundly.
What I miss most is his ability to be the voice of reason amidst life’s chaos, providing a sense of calm in the storm. In his guidance, I found strength, and in his understanding, I found peace.
May Allah bless my dad as He had blessed us through my dad, gracing our lives with his love, his lessons, and his enduring spirit.
Eliza Mohamed leads FineTouch’s strategic communications. She also mentors students at her alma mater, the University of Leeds.
The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent that of Twentytwo13.
