Sometimes being a manager sucks.
<sigh>
Maybe because I come across all friendly and funny people think I won’t be a hardass. Or maybe some people are just high-maintenance — not caring how their decisions impact others. I probably erred in cutting them too much slack too early. No matter why, what sucks is when I have to actually play policeman rather than coach.
Years ago I had a manager that watched me all the time; if I took a break she’d call out asking if I had enough work to do. I couldn’t plan my life because at the last minute she’d throw me another project. I vowed not to be that manager, to remember how much I wanted to be trusted to do my job, and I think I’ve been successful. I’ve had team members follow me from project to project and from org to org. When someone is motivated and does good work I let them be, and do my best to recognize their accomplishments.
Perhaps because I can be hands-off with these superstars, other folks think they immediately can get away with “lax” behavior, not realizing that the others have earned their points already.
I guess thats the real point — you need to earn points with me before I stay out of your business.
