The Heartache of a Subordinate

I write this down on behalf of all the people employed out there. As my first job that entails a "boss" I finally understand the pain of being a subordinate.

I admit I'm not a perfect employee, I cannot stand doing silly tasks, and I don't like being told what to do, and even less being criticized, especially when I am right.

However, it helps.
Being an employee helps you become a better boss.

This is what I have learned:

• I understood that the first 15 seconds are the most important to make an impact.
• Sometimes it is not what you say, but rather how you say it that matters.
• The way you greet and the way you say goodbye are the most important criteria in all the conversations.
• Memorizing names and faces is a must, and when you know the name, use it!
  
• When you know something of value, share it.
• Cut down on the gossip, it never fails to get you in trouble.
  
• It is ok not to answer questions when they're tricky.
• Never pretend to know what you do not.
• Ask as many questions as you think necessary.
• Interact, do not be a passive listener, direct the conversation in ways that could be beneficial.
  
• I learned that it is important to be authentic and true to yourself as well as to others. Even if the person whom you put up the mask for can't see your true face, those who get to see your many faces will figure it out, and you'll eventually loose all credibility.
• It is important to remain positive in all circumstances. I suppose it is common for a boss to become stressful and to spread the tension around.
• Yes, you should keep your employees motivated, and it definitely helps to give compliments, but how about if they were truthful? mean what you say, or do not say it.
• Take responsibility for your own failures, especially when others get blamed.
• I realized that loud people tend to be the most confident and they tend to get ahead in their careers, as they put their best foot forward. Of course, not all loud people.
• Let your little stars shine, give them the freedom to grow and take initiatives, and maybe, just maybe, you'd relieve yourself of some of that stress and responsibility.
  
• Love to be loved. The more I see, the more I get convinced that to love is the single most essential thing, even in business. It's like how people say "the more you give, the more you get".

I suppose I am no longer a fan of the high EQ leader. I am more inclined to believe that an authentic leader makes a better one. I am currently seeking to read the book "The leader as a mensch: become the kind of person that others want to follow" by Bruna Martinuzzi as I believe it describes my views today of the ideal leader. (and no, this is NOT affiliate marketing).

Sinking Through

In the business world, people get lost between management and entrepreneurship. While they seek to grow in the hierarchy chain of their enterprise the few who manage are those who are actually skilled and set for success. They are sinked into the multi-nationals, under the command of often less qualified superiors and are stuffed with a fair amount of consuming assets, while the real benefits of their hard work are channeled to the shareholders ...and I can only wonder what effects this might have on the economy, when people reap what they did not saw.

However, this is not what really scares me. What challenges all my means of logical understanding is when people are set aside for being too perfectionists and doing their tasks a bit "too well"; as if this term should actually exist! I am devestated at the thought of 2 amazing people leaving Siemens at about the same time as my stay is coming to an end. These employees, that I regarded as genius and would only dream to match their skills, are to step aside. Are multi nationals that strong in structure to handle the shock of losing their best assets and surviving the transition? I can't wait to see the results of Siemens PTD Grenoble the year to come, to conclude just how replaceable humans actually are in an enterprise...
For now, I blame it on a lack of judgement and interest from the HR department in the actual success of the company; and an unforgiveable jealousy and individual concern from the part of the head of the enterprise. To think that success leads to concern and makes you an enemy is not conceivable...