Sunday, November 07, 2004
Dilbert's Dream Come True
(or Scott Adam's worst nightmare, depending on how you look at it).
A boss that cares. A corporation that will advise you how to remain employed. And throw in a nice lunch.
Doesn't it all sound too good to be true?
But it happened right in front of my eyes today. I'm sure many of my corporate peers will argue that their companies treat them nicely and take them out to nice lunches. However, I doubt that the open and frank conversation that went on today at my company happens everywhere.
To tell you the truth, I was quite surprised how sympathetic and motivating my boss was (not to say that I didn't think so before). I could really see him trying to open a dialogue and be completely frank with everyone in the office. There's always going to be office politics, but the degree of it can change depending on where the leadership sets its foot down.
True, I haven't had the rich experience of working for 2 decades in various companies. However, just by hearing the relationships that people have had with their company and bosses, I can tell that I am in quite a good place. It's like the Goldilocks and the 3 Bears story - the porridge is not too hot, not too cold: it's just right. The company culture (which by the way, is very American) is results-oriented with a take-no-bullshit attitude, but it also rewards those who are willing to grow and develop.
No sugarcoating. Presents opportunities to those who try. And keeps you focused.
Growing up and watching my father who worked at a Japanese company, an American company, an Irish VC, and a German company, I understand the weight of culture in the workplace. However, you just have to work through it, and I think my boss is leading the organization with a novel approach.
Transparency, simple messages (repeated), and encouraging positive growth - it works.
I know that I will take this with me in my career - some bosses will give you words of encouragement, and that will be a good start. But some will detect the concerns and step up to nail the issue on the head - bluntly. It's not merely because it is the American way, but it is because of this particular company and leadership's attitude.
I'm not going to lie - my job isn't always rosy colors. But I like what I'm doing and seeing how the leadership affects the growth of this organization. That's what I wake up and look forward to every morning.
A boss that cares. A corporation that will advise you how to remain employed. And throw in a nice lunch.
Doesn't it all sound too good to be true?
But it happened right in front of my eyes today. I'm sure many of my corporate peers will argue that their companies treat them nicely and take them out to nice lunches. However, I doubt that the open and frank conversation that went on today at my company happens everywhere.
To tell you the truth, I was quite surprised how sympathetic and motivating my boss was (not to say that I didn't think so before). I could really see him trying to open a dialogue and be completely frank with everyone in the office. There's always going to be office politics, but the degree of it can change depending on where the leadership sets its foot down.
True, I haven't had the rich experience of working for 2 decades in various companies. However, just by hearing the relationships that people have had with their company and bosses, I can tell that I am in quite a good place. It's like the Goldilocks and the 3 Bears story - the porridge is not too hot, not too cold: it's just right. The company culture (which by the way, is very American) is results-oriented with a take-no-bullshit attitude, but it also rewards those who are willing to grow and develop.
No sugarcoating. Presents opportunities to those who try. And keeps you focused.
Growing up and watching my father who worked at a Japanese company, an American company, an Irish VC, and a German company, I understand the weight of culture in the workplace. However, you just have to work through it, and I think my boss is leading the organization with a novel approach.
Transparency, simple messages (repeated), and encouraging positive growth - it works.
I know that I will take this with me in my career - some bosses will give you words of encouragement, and that will be a good start. But some will detect the concerns and step up to nail the issue on the head - bluntly. It's not merely because it is the American way, but it is because of this particular company and leadership's attitude.
I'm not going to lie - my job isn't always rosy colors. But I like what I'm doing and seeing how the leadership affects the growth of this organization. That's what I wake up and look forward to every morning.
// posted by sakit @ 11:11 PM 
