Some days I think everyone hits their breaking point at the same time.
Yesterday I sat in my office and listened to two co-workers have an all out screaming match.
Today I listened to the guy four doors down chew out his assistant with expletives.
Eleven years in this industry and I've never endured either.
Now..I've had the pleasure of working with a gentlemen (and I use the word accurately) who has 1. Never raised his voice to me 2. Never belittled me infront of my other co-workers. 3. Never backed me into a corner and hung me out to dry.
The closed door screaming? It can still be heard. Why even close the door if you're going to scream?
My boss always opted for the quiet words of "we can fix it'. I once said "you're going to kill me..I really fucked this up.." (And I really did fuck something up royally). His response, without ever looking up from his papers was.."there's nothing we can't fix".
So, it's only natural that I practice the same with my own assistants and team members. Everyone screws up. That is a fact of life. And the most important part of being a teacher is knowing that one thing. Knowing that anyone that accepts responsibility for their mistakes is taking the first step to correcting it. Understanding is key.
And when that's missing..people start hitting their breaking point. Blame starts flying. People start nit picking.
And it's never good.
I've always felt that..if I could teach someone..and raise them (so to speak) to do what I do..in their own way and be effective and successful..then I've been a good leader..and a good boss.
And if I'm lucky, I'll never become the nightmare boss or the boardroom bitch.
I'll get to have someone blog about me like this. :)
Another rambling post brought to you by..
The letter B!
5 comments:
Rambling? Heck no. You have hit upon the fundamental elements of effective people skills! The reason you have been able to achieve in your profession is directly linked to your bosses style of leadership. He respects you as an individual and you, in turn, perform at a high level.
The simplicity of this just eludes so many people in so many professions. You have a degree of comfort under his leadership that has let you grow into a highly effective employee.
Its the same deal with the student-teacher relationship. I get along with kids from various backgrounds that other teachers shudder when I mention they are in my class. They perform for me cause I will not show them up, belittle them, and have high expectations for them.
Your blog topic was great. Your boss is on it. He is right, 99% of the time something can always be fixed or changed for the better.
You two make a great tag team on this topic. I would gladly work for either of you. For me I am the only female and the oldest in a group of 6, so most work gets passed to me. If someone messes up - I clean it up. Unfortunately it usually means dead air for viewers at home.
My boss blows a gasket when there are problems, so I learned very early how to handle him. I have to give him the solution before I tell him the problem, this keeps his blood pressure down to a nice level we can all live with and he uses fewer expletives.
You know, sometimes when you have a good boss, you play a role in making him or her a good boss. One of those, what goes around, comes around kind of things.
Btw, I appreciate your concern a couple weeks back when my world was unravelling so bad. Thanks, Blissie.
I love that mentor/mentee(?)relationship. It's amazing how far a little bit of understanding can go in creating a productive work team.
I was lucky enough to have someone who kind of took me under her wing and helped me to grow professionally. Her style of being supportive and encouraging was uplifting for me, and made me want to perform better for her. She was a true leader and helped show me the way. We both left the company a few years ago, but I still think of her with gratitude and sometimes ask myself...WWKD? hehe
Blissie, you sound like an awesome boss and wonderful, insightful person. I'd work for you! :D
Blissie -
You always impress me... and this post really hits home. Good teachers do teach by example and do own up to mistakes and accept responsibility and make things right. They are so lucky to have you in that profession, in your industry. Can you give me any MORE reasons to love you? :) heehee
Post a Comment