For 5 years, I worked side-by-side for an employer who criticized nearly every move I made.
For 5 years, I was scrutinized for each staple I put onto the paper and each sentence I typed. Every day was filled with criticism, celebrations but most importantly, trust. I remained at the job because I was trusted and consequently, we needed each other. He defended me to clients and future career opportunities, and I defended him in the public eye. It was our understanding of each other’s responsibilities that eventually led to a friendship outside the working environment built on trust.
Nobody is an expert
As an employer, you hire people to perform tasks to improve your business. You hire them because you aren’t an expert in every field. You may be extraordinary at numbers and big ideas but who has the organizational skills to hammer those big ideas home? Remember that opinions are welcome but in a respectful manner. Trust your employees to be successful until they aren’t.
Stay in Your Lane
If Luke P. from #BachelorNation taught us anything, it’s to stay in your lane. As an employer, you hire people to become highly skilled in their departments or roles. They don’t tell you how to do your job and you shouldn’t hover over their office chair. It’s okay to drift into the passing lane every now and again but don’t stay in that lane for too long. Eventually, the yellow dotted line becomes solid especially when going around curves acting as unseen obstacles.
Golden rule
Don’t throw rocks on the playground and don’t throw rocks in the workplace. Would you like to give all your effort into being an exceptional employee only to be knocked down? NO! Nobody would. So treat others the way you want to be treated. Constructive criticism is an incredible tool when delivered correctly. Personally, I like upfront, honest critiques and the reasons behind them. This preference goes far beyond office relationships. Most of my friends have figured out by now to just hit me with the bad news and let me handle it for a hot second. For that understanding, I have trusted friendships who have withstood tough times and in turn gained respect. No matter the relationship, it takes two to tango.
Whether you manage a team or manage a company, I vent these feelings for your consideration. As society becomes more and more toxic daily, control something that you can: the way you treat people. And for the love of America and Betty White, treat others with trust and respect.
Comments