One Managers Journal

This is the real life journal of a manager I know. To read what this is all about, start here.

To comment on these entries, or ask questions, go to the Management Forum and post in the folder titled "Journal".

Number 17

A lot has happened in the past three weeks. And I have to confess, I have not opened my journal ONCE the entire time. No time. Everything has been happening so fast, it's been almost like watching someone else's life instead of my own. Yet, compared to the preceding few months, it's been great because for the first time in a long time, all of this activity has value and specific, expected outcomes. Not just work for works sake - busy work, I think they call it.

Let's see...In three weeks, I've made three presentations, taught two classes, negotiated (wrangled?) my way out of teaching two classes, attended a conference on accountability and performance indicators, had two offline meetings (one with our transition consultant, the other with one of my managers), met with my two employees, worked on our division's web page and of course, attended COUNTLESS meetings.

Oh, I forgot one of our displaced employees is even more displaced. No, not fired, just moved to a different division. Luckily for her, she falls under that rarely used protected class, the "former-manager-with-long-service-record-and-friends-in-high-places-who-must -be-allowed-to-save-face, otherwise, the-organization-might-look-bad" class. One and a half down, three and a half to go.

A couple of weeks ago, it occurred to me that I've become manager-in-absentia for my own two employees. Although young and relatively inexperienced, they are extremely capable and self-directed. A smart manager hires the right people (I didn't hire them, I inherited them through this reorg.), and makes sure they have the resources (training, information, equipment, a motivational environment, etc.) they need to do their jobs well. I've been very conscious of doing the latter, as I have seen the impact through some of my own experiences of not doing so. Having said all that, I probably need them a lot more than they need me. And I wanted them to know that. And while I know they don't really need me, I want to at least be accessible to them. For the past month, I haven't been. So wrapped up in all this CRAP, I've been managing by e-mail and memo. Something I would abhor in others.

So, I bought a card for each of them and wrote a personal note inside, which included an invitation to lunch at the restaurant to their choice (scary, hope my Visa isn't maxed out!). Anyway, we had a great time talking, laughing, and telling jokes. I talked with them about their upcoming evaluations (things I should know or consider before writing the evaluation, feedback about my performance as a manager, etc.). When I asked them about a specific question that appears on the evaluation, I was shocked to learn that they had never SEEN an evaluation. Apparently, one was done for each them (by their previous manager, who used to be my superior); yet, it was NEVER discussed or reviewed with either of them. I don't know why (I should be used to incompetence by now), but I sat there stunned, mouth wide-open. What could be more symbolic of what was/is wrong with this place?!!!

They both began to tell how relieved they were when they learned (via e-mail at the same time as everyone else) that I would be their manager: "Thank God it wasn't so-and-so or so-and-so..." Their assessment of these folks was remarkable! Young people are certainly a lot more observant and insightful than us "mature" folks give them credit for. How could I have forgotten that? It's not like I'm that much older than they are. I shared with them what I could about what's been going on around here lately; most of which, they already knew because they're here more than I am. I reminded them that they can ask me anything and talk to me about anything and that I'll always be honest with them. I have their best interest at heart and want to have a positive impact on their careers. They already knew that. And that feels good.

Continued.......

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