So, at my core I firmly believe that it is my job as a leader to protect the well being of my people. This is something I am VERY passionate about- that the best way to get the job done is to have people who are in fighting shape to get the job done.
To me, my success as a manager is NOT based on getting praise, or even awards, my success is if my people are successful. If they are getting timely promotions, if they are getting awards, if they are getting shit done and have a great reputation? Win.
I get teased sometimes for going "Mama Bear" when it comes to my team, or people I consider a part of my team...including those we work closely with. It is important to me on a deeply personal level, these aren't numbers, these are *people*
The people who work for me, and with me, are people. They have their own dreams, goals, lives, fears, stresses, and if you are going to come together as a team, you must recognize that. The leaders I would walk through fire for were those who led with humility and compassion.
Last year, when my best friend died in a hiking accident, I found out at work. It is all a blur, but what I do remember is my skip lvl coming into the room where I was sobbing, kneeling down on the floor with me, and helping me call my Mom.
He talked to my Mom for me because I couldn't speak, he told her what happened. He then called me a Lyft and found a coworker to go home with me so I wouldn't be alone.
He asked if he could hug me, and when I nodded, he did just that (and I am pretty sure I ruined his shirt with mascara.) He told me not to worry, they would make sure my work was covered, and he sent me home. In that moment he won my loyalty for life.
I tear up even now thinking about that moment. THAT sort of empathy and understanding from a manager, in a moment where I was so fragile and devastated? It took the respect I had for him as my boss and made it a thing of steel.
It showed that not only was he invested in my work, because he was the BEST at doc reviews no joke, but he recognized me as a person.
/end morning tweetstorm
