I had a mind blowing thought today as I was driving. We humans are a masterpiece. I’m speaking specifically to the way we’re made. The sheer complexity of our DNA and how our body knows what to do without any outside assistance.
The above thoughts sent me thinking about what an AWESOME responsibility it is to lead other human beings. And at the end of the day, this is what most managers don’t get. It’s like someone who throws diamonds into the garbage disposal right along with yesterday’s leftovers. You’d call that insane.
I learned the hard way about the responsibility in leading. You get fame and fortune (relative to the stage you walk on) and almost inevitably you forget-forget about who is looking to you for direction. Believe me it wasn’t the mirror. It wasn’t until I observed the hunger and scars of the people in my last stint (about 10 years ago) in corporate America, that I began to see my AWESOME responsibility. They hungered for someone to do the right thing and care. The scars were from the deep wounds of managers who didn’t care about anything except their agenda and or ladder.
I’ll never forget a meeting I was participating in where a mission statement was being crafted. Everyone agreed that serving our customers was an important part to have in the statement. But there was a block. as 11 executives attempted to create something inspiring. I then suggested that we add verbiage around serving our employees. Silence. More silence. The idea was rejected and never adopted. A few minutes later I leaned over to one of my colleagues and asked him how we could serve our customers, but not serve our employees? Silence, with a shrug.
The issue comes back to management-senior and otherwise-not understanding their responsibility. They don’t get it.
In the coming days we’ll unwrap how to overcome the confusion and how to move to leading from responsibility. Who knows, maybe we’ll start a rehab clinic for managers.
Executive Rehab,
It is my hope that when managers realize what’s wrong, they will seek help. The methods you describe are certainly a move in the right direction.
Thanks for the comments.
Avoiding drugs and alcohol is much easier when you are constantly being looked after.group discussions and a variety of other activities that continually keep you focused on recovery and keep you occupied as well….
Your comments are spot on! I wrote this from the experience of leading others. That’s important, because until it runs through your veins, you’re a spectator.
I appreciate you taking the time to comment.
“We humans are a masterpiece. I’m speaking specifically to the way we’re made. The sheer complexity of our DNA and how our body knows what to do without any outside assistance…The above thoughts sent me thinking about what an AWESOME responsibility it is to lead other human beings.”
Eric –
This post really resonates with me – it’s the perspective that I think is missing from today’s workplace at all levels. I once heard Marianne Williamson speak about the divine potential in us all and how sarcasm and overlording disrespect that potential. She said something to the effect of: “When you are talking to another person, you need to be aware that this is holy ground you are standing on and you need to be very careful to treat it as such.”
The workplace puts us in innumerable interactions daily where we have a chance to respect that holy ground – what an opportunity!
Great blog!
~ Careeer Encourager