A close friend just landed the job of a lifetime. I'm not exaggerating when I say that she wanted to work for this company since she was a child! (The company and person will remain unnamed.) She had been drawn to their work and their products and their culture for as long as I can remember, and had applied several times over the years. But it is a prestigious company, and very difficult to get in that door. Then it happened! The stars aligned and there was a full-time temporary job opening. She knew that if she could land this temporary assignment, that they would get to know her and see the quality of her work. And, she did! But it didn't turn out as planned.
My friend did show her stuff! She did top quality work. She was (and always is) a delight to be around. She worked well with others, put in long hours, completed all her work on time and made personal sacrifices to ensure project success. And when the temporary position was coming to an end, they did in fact offer her a job. And she said, "No thanks!"
What Happened!?People will leave a boss, much more often then they will leave a job.
She loved the work. She has a special skill set that sets her apart from others and there were opportunities to use that skill set in her job. But, the person she worked for was, let's say, less than desirable as a boss. He displayed his anger and frustration openly and frequently. He was discouraging. He was a poor manager of outcomes and performance. He ignored the successes and focused on the failures. He was generally unpleasant. The team sighed with relief when he finally left for the day and they could get their work done!
This is not a good thing!
The boss often (but not always) has a disproportionate influence on the culture of a workplace. The boss sets the tone and expectations. The boss has the opportunity to create a positive workplace that is filled with appreciation and support, or, on the other end of the spectrum, one that is based on neglect, or even dysfunction. The result of this particular situation is that a good company lost a great resource. Multiply that dynamic times the number of supervisors who don't understand their influence, and you'll see very quickly how a good company can become mediocre and sluggish at best.
If you supervise, manage, or lead others, it is in your best interest to pay close attention to the climate you create. Are you noticing the strengths of your team members? Or complaining about their deficiencies? Are you supporting the development and growth of each individual? Or do you figure that it's their job to know what to do and how to do it?
Be proactive! Understand your influence, and use it well! Pay attention!
Remember that you are in a position that can attract talent and make life better for others, OR, that you will be left... seeking new employees constantly... probably blaming it on those who come through your door.
Let us help!
Our leadership courses are designed to empower you to be a great boss! Don't get left behind!
My friend did show her stuff! She did top quality work. She was (and always is) a delight to be around. She worked well with others, put in long hours, completed all her work on time and made personal sacrifices to ensure project success. And when the temporary position was coming to an end, they did in fact offer her a job. And she said, "No thanks!"
What Happened!?People will leave a boss, much more often then they will leave a job.
She loved the work. She has a special skill set that sets her apart from others and there were opportunities to use that skill set in her job. But, the person she worked for was, let's say, less than desirable as a boss. He displayed his anger and frustration openly and frequently. He was discouraging. He was a poor manager of outcomes and performance. He ignored the successes and focused on the failures. He was generally unpleasant. The team sighed with relief when he finally left for the day and they could get their work done!
This is not a good thing!
The boss often (but not always) has a disproportionate influence on the culture of a workplace. The boss sets the tone and expectations. The boss has the opportunity to create a positive workplace that is filled with appreciation and support, or, on the other end of the spectrum, one that is based on neglect, or even dysfunction. The result of this particular situation is that a good company lost a great resource. Multiply that dynamic times the number of supervisors who don't understand their influence, and you'll see very quickly how a good company can become mediocre and sluggish at best.
If you supervise, manage, or lead others, it is in your best interest to pay close attention to the climate you create. Are you noticing the strengths of your team members? Or complaining about their deficiencies? Are you supporting the development and growth of each individual? Or do you figure that it's their job to know what to do and how to do it?
Be proactive! Understand your influence, and use it well! Pay attention!
Remember that you are in a position that can attract talent and make life better for others, OR, that you will be left... seeking new employees constantly... probably blaming it on those who come through your door.
Let us help!
Our leadership courses are designed to empower you to be a great boss! Don't get left behind!
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