Remember to be human

You've worked hard, you've proven yourself, you've made some astute decisions and you've had a little luck.  Finally you've been given the corner office.  Maybe even the corner office with an inspiring view of another corner office.  All of a sudden you're a big shot leader of men, women and kitchen mice.  So why the hell - when you moved into that corner office - did you take everything that makes you human and stick it in the cross cut paper shredder that's sitting beside your mahogany desk?  Regardless of the reason, it was a monumental mistake.  Now that you're in a position of leadership you need your humanity more than ever.

I've watched more than one person step into a senior role that gives them command over a number of people and its changed them for the worse.  When they were promoted it's like they thought "Lord knows how I made it here.  I can't let on that I'm scared.  I need to distance myself from the others.  I'm a Senior Senior Vice to the Vice Director Chairman now and I don't want to lose my position.  I have to be tough.  I have to make tough decisions.  I shouldn't show emotion anymore.  I can't get too close to the staff (notice how she's calling them 'staff' already) so no more "how was your weekend?" or "has your brother recovered from that spelunking accident yet?".

I'd like to put it out there that I believe that when you're in a leadership position it's ok to show emotion and it's crucial to stay connected with your staff.  I've read articles by management consultants saying that you need to end friendships if you're in a position that involves you managing them, but I don't believe in it.  You have to set boundaries and expectations, yes, but you don't have to put your friendship in your all too often used paper shredder.  I'd argue that it'll cause you more problems if you do.  Ever heard of the word "resentment"?  It's more powerful than Yoda's version of The Force.

When you've made it, you deserve it, but you got there being human (at least I hope you did).  So keep being human.  It's what will make you a great leader, not just a robot with a title.  Care about "your staff", keep knowing them, keep showing them who you are - your position won't be any more vulnerable.  People will respect that you haven't changed (that's assuming you weren't an asshole to begin with, in which case this entire post doesn't apply).  They'll want to work hard for you.  They'll be there when you need them. And you'll enjoy it a lot more.

So maybe give your paper shredder to someone you don't like and watch them mince their career instead of you mincing yours.  And even if you really have no idea what "spelunking" is, take the time to ask Jane how her brother is doing anyway.  She'll thank you for it.