Leading with a...plunger?
No one ever said being a leader would be easy.
You arrive home from work, emotionally exhausted from a day spent mediating employee squabbles, dodging complaints from employees about everything from the coffee to the retirement plan, and trying to negotiate a benefits package that won't break your organization's budget. And yet, tomorrow morning you will get up with the alarm and do it all over again.
WHY?
There is a manager I know in Northern California that does a little bit of everything within her organization. She plunges toilets. Someone has to do it. She also sweeps floors, washes dishes, and answers the phones. What this wins her is a fall on double edged sword. She knows the operations of the organization fluently. She can help anyone do almost anything operational. She mentors all levels of employees, and has the respect of many (most) of her colleagues. But she is also constantly undermined and talked down to by those considered to be her equals. Why would this happen?
It is easy to forget that the person you are talking to has two graduate degrees and a high level position within your organization when she is holding a plunger. Moreover, people like my friend remind us that there are some out there who are willing to roll up their sleeves and do whatever it takes without complaint. Many of us lack the dedication to go outside of our defined job responsibilities to take care of those around us. Leaders like my friend take care of those around them so well that those around them often forget to appreciate it.
Brandy Gilbert
in To Scream or Not to Scream?
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Reader Comments (2)
I, too, have felt the same at the end of the day as your friend. As a receptionist, there is no one in the office who is my "equal," and thus I often feel I am seen by many as "beneath" them. Although many times this is true, it is sometimes difficult to swallow that many coworkers do not appreciate the fact that someone is making their coffee & sending out their mail. Just remember, they notice when people like your friend are not in the office (sick, on vacation, etc) doing everything for them.
And those of us who feel your friend's pain notice her good deeds as well. :)
Its odd to me that so many team members don't recognize the power of the receptionist. In this position, you hold the key to EVERYTHING. Employees in positions like yours often have the best "people sense" or emotional intelligence, can deal with intense stress, and might be the only people in the office that know how to fix the paper jam in the printer.
Carry on with the words of Roosevelt..."walk softly and carry a big stick, you will go far"
Good advice. Especially if you really do have a big stick.