I started my immediate post-college career as a bench (laboratory) biologist. One of a small handful of women in a large R&D organization in the late 70’s, I came into the position knowing that the department director wanted to hire a man. I was told that Human Resources said that they “must” hire a woman this time around.
My manager made me feel appreciated and respected
Thus, I may have started off thinking I had something to prove. Or perhaps knowing that I was #2 on the hiring list may have shaken my self confidence, and I could have retreated. I never got that far because my immediate supervisor was a person who appreciated and respected me, and he let me know that.
From the start, he told me often that “hiring you was the best thing I’ve ever done”. In a myriad of ways let me know that I was resourceful and smart enough to get the work done. He told me he was personally sad but excited for my career when I left the lab. He passed away from cancer several years after that.
What I remember now
When I think of him, I remember his warmth, his encouragement, his kindness, and the respect he extended to all of us in the lab. I smile inside, if not outside. He helped me to get started in my career with a great deal of confidence.
He left a legacy. Not only with me, but his character touched all of us in the lab. He made us all feel good. This is what he left behind. We were creative and productive as a result.
You see, how you make people feel is what they’ll remember. As a leader, you have the ability to impact people in many ways; your strategic thinking, your vast knowledge and your ability to get things done are all important.
People remember how you made them feel
But at the end of your career or your life, what people remember is how you made them feel. The thought can make them smile inside when they think of you.
When you can help them to feel good, it isn’t a big leap to consider how that impacts the quality of the work they do. They will willingly follow you and work harder and with more conviction when they can respect you as more than just their manager.
There is no time like the present to consider how you want people to feel about you when you leave. What will they remember?
Hi MJ .. I think Maya Angelou said something once that points out exactly what you are saying here. In a complicated, fast-paced, technology ridden world it can seem like such a simple premise but it is, as you so clearly demonstrate in your story, very profound.
Thanks for reminding me of a question, I’d like to ask myself once in a while and that is, “How do I want to be remembered?” It’s a great question for taking personal inventory and making change.
*You* are a great coach!
Hi MJ – Great post! I think that if more people examined their actions in this context, we would see all kinds of change in the world. Less crime, more kindness all around.
Cheers,
Landon Creasy
http://landoncreasy.wordpress.com
Gwyn,
Thank you for your kind comments. You made my day. I didn’t mean to NOT quote Maya Angelou, but as a fan of hers, I don’t recall her quote. Maybe it was in my subconscious; thanks for pointing it out.
Landon,
What great thoughts here. I wonder if considering your personal or leadership legacy might promote peace? I checked out your blog, by the way – excellent! Honored to have you stop over.
MJ,
Interesting thought. That would mean divorcing success from dollars and cents and tying it to the creation of meaning….
Thanks for checking out my blog – I just got started last month and welcome and feedback anybody has.
Looking forward to many great discussions!
Cheers,
Landon