Bossing around

We've all experienced (in/directly) bad management. It's the kind of person whose job it is to make sure you're able to do your job, but instead seems to think it's their job to make you do your work in a certain way, by a certain time, sometimes without reason. If there are so many of them out there, then how does this keep happening? My friend in nursing theorised that it's because all employees get to thinking 'I don't want to deal with people anymore', not realising that heading up the ladder to a desk bound job doesn't actually prevent that from happening, it emphasises it. In my own situation, it's because she was there the longest. Through moving offices, and relays of revolving door employees, she was there setting up the desks and computers, and seeing clients begin and end. Somehow along the way Jan (we'll call her that while we're here), who is only a manager, began taking on the harder jobs for our World's Best Boss. She became the hard side that he couldn't be. Fair enough. But this has failed so far now that instead of just calling the shots, she will continually ask leading questions. Discussions...no, confrontations go from being asked not to lock my desk drawer (cause it's too hard for her to find the key that unlocks it) to having to consider whether I intend on staying employed. How does that happen before I've even said a word? And there's no point trying to defend yourself cause you're just adding fuel to the fire. 'By your definition... [and she'll go out of her way to prove you wrong]'. It's a lesson in intimidation and that's all. I could go on with all the complains but I do want to get to a positive point for all the lovely hearts listening in. Not everyone is bad at management. Though bad people are prolific there is still that 2% out there.

I happily brag that I have started to become a Sydney Writers Festival volunteer supervisor because I am lead by a very wonderful, well prepared, kind, teaching leader who honestly enables all of us to work to our full capacity. She is the reason I keep coming back every year. And she is the reason that I also value enabling people to do their work, not governing how they do their work. What makes her a fantastic leader - and forgive me for getting biblical - is her servant hearted attitude; she gives, not so she can expect the same in return, but so on the off chance that someone does return or pay forward the kindness she can feel satisfied by having done her best. It is as simple as lowering herself to the volunteer's level in order to raise us all up together. You will see her putting in the long hours. And yet, listening and thanking every single person who puts in their own long hours, even though it was nowhere near her record. She will remember everyone's name and look us in the face as she's listening. Feedback is welcomed, but more so, it is considered. Communication is abundant. And rather than berate a mistake, she will either explain another way of trying working it out, or she has the slight wit to find other tasks you might be better suited for. Being a good leader isn't easy. But it isn't impossible either. Be the kind of leader you want to see,

let's be clear about the type of leader we want to see,

and especially encourage that 2% that is genuinely trying.

The scumbags just make good pub stories.