A Timely Reminder

Today at work I had the pleasure of an unexpected phone call. When I heard the voice at the other end of the line, I was delighted. It was my former boss, a woman I had worked with for scores of years and someone who I count as one of my mentors in this business. She was one of those people who believed in me and gave me those pivotal career chances to prove myself; who taught me the simple but crucial basics of managing a business portfolio and understanding financial implications; and most importantly, who demonstrated the best way to keep your finger on the pulse of a business--by engaging with your most important attribute--our people. I learned from her that a good manager manages by walking around. By taking an earnest interest in every member of the team is empowering. Acknowledging the role that every person plays in the success of the business inspires people to believe in the vision, to rise and ultimately cohere as a team. I've learned that you need team buy in to push the proverbial boulder uphill.

I have enjoyed other influences in my career by other strong leaders, but this manager made a special impression on me. I was empowered by her confidence, loyal in reciprocating the trust she had in me and earnest in my intent to deliver what she expected of me. I have henceforth endeavored to maintain those same standards for the managers I have since worked for.

Granted, business has changed and we've had to react differently to market conditions to keep our business viable. Maybe under such circumstances, we don't have the luxury to be as warm and fuzzy that we have been for the past 20 years. Maybe that's a reason we should at least try. At a time like this teamwork should be beyond crucial.

My former boss and I had a lovely chat. We caught up on each other lives. She had just gone through an egregious task of dismantling a company but you'd never guess it from the tone of her voice: she was inspired, empowered, invigorated about her next challenge. She rather inspired me.

When our call finished, I did something I try to do everyday. I walked around the office and briefly visited with the staff.

This is one of the things I really love about my job.