April 11, 2006
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There’s this weird thing that happens when you get promoted. Suddenly,
you’re not one of the gang anymore, and it’s awkward having to tell
them what to do and when you need it done by.
There’s a policy at my store too – about Fraternization. Yes, the big
F- word. No Fraternization between levels. So um, yeah – that means no
hanging out with the people who you supervise – who I now supervise. I
mean, you go from being friends with everyone at work to being friends with only 2 or 3 other people.But the idea of leadership. Do you agree that some people are born with
it? That their naturally charismatic personality, reflected in their
attitude towards every endeavor, draws people to them, Mecca-wards.Or is it something else – an innate ability lying dormant, unused and
unfelt until under such great pressure that the coal turns into a
diamond shining in the twilight of uncertainty, guiding but
unreachable, untouchable like the coldest star, separate from that
which it directs, ironically finding purpose only in isolation.So,
It isn’t that I don’t see myself as a Good leader. It’s not that I fear
the responsibility, the choices, the consequences. It’s that it makes
you very
much alone.That’s why I have so many great ideas for the company, for the store.
That’s why I’m so passionate about our goals, about everything that I
do – that needs to be done. That’s because I never stop thinking,
because to stop means to drown in silence.
Comments (5)
thats also why you were promoted. its good to see passionate people doing the work they love..
As with everything, there are naturals, there are those who can learn and those who are clueless.
I’ve had the pleasure of working for every type…
Im not sure I agree. Did you decide yourself not to fraternize with the people who work under you or did someone tell you that was the thing to do? Store policy isnt so direct a reason to sever those friendships. I realize work relationships necessarily change with a promotion like that but does that mean you are no longer friends with those people? It doesnt seem right somehow.
But then Ive never had to make that transition.
Happened to me. Actually had a great friend that got mad at me for managing instead of working and threatened to quit during a very busy time. It was a short arguement, but it was 14 years ago, and everytime I see that friend, I still think about it. It Changes things. Hello, btw.