Keep Trying...

Over the weekend, my mother and I fell into a serious discussion about the challenges of people management. “Why don’t people feel accountable?” I mumbled that to her.

Well, I guess I’m not sure.

I’m excited to come to the office every day and face whatever challenges are in front of me. I love to work (addicted may be). I’m excited about the industry I work for. I wish everyone in my team could feel like that, but I understand that some don’t.

Many times, the solution boils down to better communication and better attitudes. Management can communicate better by keeping everyone informed on critical issues, delivering frequent team updates, conducting open-forum activities, etc. Better attitudes? Well, that’s entirely up to the individual. I had the privilege of working some years at a business software company. At the first company meeting I attended, my boss said something like this: If you don’t like it here, leave. If you spend most of your day complaining about your job, find something else to do... well... shocking me at that time!

Anyway, blast to current situation, I have words throughout my team that say “Be the person you want to work with.” Most of us think a little differently: everyone else should work like me. That is nasty! haha...

I formed teams with different personalities and talents. I have to keep that in mind as I look around at the people I am work with. Different people, naturally, work differently. Maybe someone I find difficult to work with will bring a fresh perspective to a problem. Maybe the person who barely speaks in a group setting has brilliant ideas if I let them write down on paper first.

Well, I am open to other points of view, if I try to help instead of criticize, and if I try being the person I want to work with, others might follow my example. Even if somehow my job isn’t my most passion, I can still make the most of it by having a good attitude, and being grateful to have a job in such a tough economic climate.

Questions: Do you think my boss will think the same? Wake up Alf!