The People Who Pull You Back

Do you listen to music while you work?

I know sometimes it’s impossible—especially when you're deep into a task or making sales calls. But unless you live under a rock (or under a stone in Bikini Bottom), you've probably heard Slow It Down by Benson Boone.

That song has become one of my all-time favorites—not because it reminds me of how beautiful my wife is or how we fell in love, but because it perfectly captures what it means to truly be each other's person. Sure, we’re best friends, dance partners, and parents. But more than that, we’re the ones who pull each other out of our own heads.

We both struggle with anxiety, and with the stress of raising kids, running a business, and the daily grind, there are moments when it all feels like too much. But we remind each other that the hard days mean we care, that we’re doing something meaningful. And when one of us gets stuck in that mental trap, the other is there to pull us back to reality.

That’s why the song hits so hard. It’s not just about love—it’s about having your person.

But for those who haven’t found that person yet (and it doesn’t have to be a spouse), here are some tools to help you slow it down and bring yourself back:

• Breathe – Deep, intentional breaths help reset your nervous system.

• Move – A short walk or stretch can shift your energy.

• Journal – Get your thoughts out of your head and onto paper.

• Music – Find a song that grounds you and play it when you need a reset.

• Call someone – A friend, a mentor, or anyone who helps you see things clearly.

You don’t have to go through life alone. And until you find your person, these small habits can help you be that anchor for yourself.

The People Who Pull You Back: Why Retention Starts with Real Relationships

Turnover isn’t just about pay—it’s about connection. A Gallup study found that employees who have a best friend at work are 7x more engaged and 50% less likely to leave. When employees feel supported by leadership and their team, they stay longer, work harder, and contribute more.

Yet, many companies still focus on perks instead of relationships. Free coffee and flexible schedules are great, but they won’t keep people if they feel isolated. Retention improves when HR and leadership create environments where employees feel valued, heard, and connected.

Here’s how:

• Onboarding with purpose – Assign mentors to new hires to build immediate connections.

• Regular check-ins – Employees with weekly manager conversations are 3x more engaged.

• Recognition matters – A simple “thank you” boosts job satisfaction and retention.

• Team-based collaboration – Cross-functional projects strengthen relationships and engagement.

• Psychological safety – Employees who feel safe to voice concerns and ideas are 50% more productive.

People don’t leave jobs; they leave workplaces where they feel invisible. Retention isn’t about throwing money at the problem—it’s about building a culture where employees know they belong. The companies that invest in real relationships will keep their best people.

If your employees don’t have someone pulling them back when they’re struggling, they’ll start looking for that support somewhere else. Retention starts with relationships, not just rewards.

When you are neck deep in alligaotrs (fires) The last thing people want is a pizza party.

Then you’re a bunch of stressed-out people eating pizza, surrounded by alligators.

The Effective Syndicate is a family of brands dedicated to supporting U.S. manufacturing by addressing the industry's unique challenges:

• The Effective Syndicate: Delivering expert consulting services in Lean Six Sigma, leadership development, and operational improvement to help manufacturing companies achieve sustainable growth and operational excellence.

• TES Recruiting: Connecting manufacturing companies with top-tier talent, from the shop floor to the C-suite.

• Swiftemp: Providing fast, reliable staffing solutions, specializing in temporary-to-hire roles for manufacturing and metal fabrication.

• GSD Manager Training: Empowering managers with practical, no-nonsense training to lead confidently, enhance productivity, and build stronger teams.

Together, we help U.S. manufacturing businesses thrive. Want to learn more? Check out our website! www.tes.run