When I was a lot younger and running our family business back in my home province, I had more than 175 employees beneath me. It was a cool challenge to manage so many people with various backgrounds, some dubious and some not. Add to that mix our operations ranged between two major islands and some minor ones. Very wide, indeed. But it was relatively easy to manage and handle.
The real challenge, though, is not that I was able to lead the company to revenues and profits as well as depth and influence. No. That was relatively easy. The real challenges came to me in the form of my employees (especially those who were older than I am) seeking my advice on familial issues. With their spouses. With their children. With their relatives. Sometimes about their sex lives. That was my real challenge. Imagine, me, 27 years old at that time, giving sage advice to a 45 year old with more kids than I had.
When I told my father about my first two cases he smiled and laughed saying that I am no longer a manager. That I am now a leader for this group of people. That I have met my leadership challenge and passed it with flying colors. I asked how I passed and his reply was simply pointing out my two previous cases and that there will be more to follow. And follow it did.
More recently in my current job, just when I was starting to feel a bit let down, a few employees of mine opened up to me. They spoke to me about their very personal issues and demons. They’ve asked me for advice. What to do. How to do it. And the why. I dispensed my advice the best I could after carefully listening and probing into their issues and feelings.
Why do I tell you this? Because I am happy. Because, to myself, I am no longer my team’s supervisor anymore. I have become a friend. A confidante. A leader. Are you?
Tags: advice, friends, life, people, personal, relationships, team, teambuilding, thanksgiving, tips, wisdom, work
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