What goes up... must come down - ever wondered what happens next?
When I started out working, my friends were all in the same boat. They were starting out their careers too in journalism, advertising, television and marketing. Today, most of them are Directors of News, Television Presenters, Editors and Senior Managers. We all still keep in touch from time to time and support each other whenever and wherever possible.
Many of my managers from back then have either retired, been demoted or had to step aside for new people coming through. In fact, I have employed a few of my ex-managers over time in my business that had strengths that I appreciated when I worked under them.
It's funny how the tables turn.
But how often do you hear about a Manager who was a complete 'arse' when they were someone's boss, getting their just deserts by the table turning and having to report to the junior that they made make coffee? If you look back at many of Australia's business leaders, they have started at the bottom somewhere. In the mail room, at reception, or as an office junior. Now they run the biggest and most successful companies in the Country.
In Perth yesterday, I saw first hand how being a great manager to your team can be reciprocated by your understudy becoming your boss. Two men who worked alongside many years ago; one as the manager and other as a direct report, can now work harmoniously and in cinct with the table turned. The saying "Be careful that the feet you stand on today, don't belong to the legs of the arse you have to kiss tomorrow", is a reminder to all that by doing your job and being a good person, your career will be long and more fulfilling than you ever imagined.
Treating people poorly and being a bad manager may one day come back to bite you.
Likewise for entrepreneurs. The people you employ today, may be the clients of tomorrow or the person you report to in organisations that employ your services.
Something worth thinking about.
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comments ( 2 )
Kirsty
19 Apr 2012It is surprising what the power of a title and authority can do to people as they climb the career ladder. Some may see treating new starters as inferior acceptable behavior because they faced the same treatment in their initial years. Some managers may start off with little respect for their lower line employees and expecting their respect and attention to be earned. This seems to be an industrial approach to conducting business and gen Y may have a tough time understanding this type of interaction with their 'superiors'.
ReplyBrittany Mauran
17 Apr 2012The word "karma" seems to be appropriate! I definitely believe that what goes around comes around. It is important to go through life treating everyone you meet fairly and kindly, as you never know where either of you will be in the next five years.
ReplyWhat if your unfairly treated employee turned out to be your doctor over a life threatening illness? How that tables turn.
As Mellissah said, it is an important thing to think about.