I don’t usually write about work on here, and when I do, I try to do so in a positive manner. Although I’ve experienced some pretty ugly work situations I’ve found that most issues arise from the simple problem that managers have little to no management training. It’s not really their fault; typically they’re promoted as a pat on the back for a job well done. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that they know how to motivate, encourage, and improve their employees the way they should.
More than anything, I’ve found that most supervisors are well aware of their many management failings, often attempting to overcompensate in ways that fall very short of the mark. They don’t want to be the bad guy, so they try to get in thick with their employees. Or they start to become insecure fearing that their employees will outshine them, so passive-aggressive behavior and throwing-under-the-bus sets in. Studies show that managers are often more frustrated after having been promoted to a position of management because of these added personnel stresses – the main reason I have never wanted a position as a supervisor.
This is all neither here nor there.
The reason I’m talking about bosses today is because I picked up my favorite mug to pour a cup of coffee, and thought fondly of one of my first bosses. She bought me this mug, a generous container that is perfect for holding in two hands on the back porch or snuggled up in front of a fire. Every time I use the mug, I think back to her and how she molded me into the professional I am today.
At the time I had a hard time appreciating Big G, seeing as the two of us could not have been more different and probably would not have been friends had we met at a local fundraising event. She was highly, highly intelligent, a strong woman who could think quickly on her toes. Grounded in politics, she knew how to be both careful and sharp when necessary. And as a manager, Big G had some enviable skills.
When you got on her good side by showing some loyalty and respect, Big G immediately rewarded you by taking you seriously. She would ask me to solve a complex problem, and after doing my research and hard work I was amazed that she took my suggestions to heart. She brought me into the executive decision-making process even when it wasn’t my business. She respected my opinion and always challenged me to bring a new idea to the table. Sure, there were some uncomfortable moments as there always are, but she knew how to encourage me even when it didn’t click that she was doing so.
Sometimes I really miss working for her. I miss how she would thank me for a job well done. I miss our spur-of-the-moment lunches, and meetings in her office that would last all afternoon as the conversation turned from work to pop culture. I miss working for an intelligent woman who held high expectations for herself – something I really respected.
Oh, and thanks for the great mug, Big G!
