What Goes Up…
There’s a lot of movement on the ladder. We live in a hyper-connected world, but more importantly (even with this pandemic, and maybe especially because of it) there is a lot of movement out there.
Someone who you are leading today might be your boss tomorrow. I’ve learned the hard way that you need to maintain your relationships.
Over 20 years ago, I met a sweet, young lady from Texas. She was my friend’s niece and, not wanting to bore you with all the details, we bonded over a little black dress. She became like a little sister to me and a few years later I asked if she wanted to come work for my comms business. She said no at first, as she had a good job with a financial firm, but then a year later she said yes. I was in LA during the Academy Awards and helping some of my clients show up on the red carpet - Kwiat Diamonds, Revlon, etc. Basecamp for a month was the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, which sounds enchanting unless you are under excruciating pressure - which I was.
When this young lady called out of the blue to tell me that she basically got a random and rather surprising “yes” to come work for me, I was elated. It felt like it was a sign that things were going to work out. Well, they did in Hollywood, and in business.
Her first job was as my assistant, and I sent her to work in the Revlon offices on our behalf - that was a lesson! Familiar with big beauty? That’s for another blog! After that stint she kept moving up the ladder until she was running the whole company within 10 years. Meanwhile, I left her running things and moved to London with my new husband. A few years later when she called one Sunday to let me know that she had accepted a position with our biggest client, I was a little bit bummed. But she and I had entertained a wonderful relationship over the years. I wanted the best for her, and this was an awesome opportunity for her future.
I remember thinking that night as I lay in bed, trying to figure out what I was going to do without her, that I had two choices. I could be disappointed and upset, or I could celebrate her new move and trust that things were going to work out. There could surely be a silver lining in this situation if I could just relax and look for it.
Five years later I am still with that amazing company. And this incredible woman is now my boss! I couldn’t be more thankful. She is the BEST boss!
As you do what you do - run your business, run your mom’s group, manage your career, whatever,
- remember that kindness and compassion can go a long way toward ensuring your future.
Most of us are fighting the good fight out there. Stress and pressure can make us people we don’t want to be. Have a heart for people around you, take a little walk in their shoes. You might be surprised what the horizon looks like. Oh, and they just might be your boss one day!