Different Kind Of Post
This is going to be a different kind of post as I’ve had this thought on my mind for quite some time. I had read this article that reminded me of this incident I had awhile ago on a project, so putting it out there to see what peoples thoughts are on the issue. Weak Managers (from Forbes ) https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2016/07/17/ten-unmistakable-signs-you-work-for-a-weak-manager/#19fd6db39c90
Long Time In Industry
I’ve been in the industry a number of years. Well, since 1973 that is. OK, A LOT OF YEARS. I’ve also had lots of managers and only 1 or 2 leaders during my entire work career. Why is that? I mean, how come not many true leaders? Would you like to work for a manager or a leader? A leader motivates. I’ve had some managers constantly hold you back because they wanted the 15 minutes of fame on new discoveries or presentations.
In All Fairness
In all fairness, I’ve not always been up to par and prepared for different projects I’ve been involved with. I’ve had the nasty habit of not saying no for any gigs I’ve come across regardless of the outcome or if I had the current skills for the gig I was attempting to acquire.
My Meaning
Meaning, if I took on a larger project or gig and I know I’ve lacked on some of the skills needed, I could quickly come up to speed on anything. And, I did. I’ve done it often. I’ve done it before and will continue that way as it works for me. And, I think it’s this case which bothers some folks. I’ve been able to adopt and modify process and things all my working career. Because that’s what was required to support my family.
Wife Passing Away
After my wife passed away, it was time to engage with a project again. Well, I needed to get back in the saddle and it was a most difficult time. But, this one project that came along contacted me via an agency I was working with and I was hired without any interview. Sort of like Johnny on the spot. https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Johnny-on-the-spot. I’ve been hired for many projects like this
Working Extra To Keep Up
I knew that I would have to really dig in because my mind was wandering and I had felt like I lost my mojo. Like I said I always take projects. 🙂 And, it was fun for a bit and I was keeping up with tasks but soon felt like a blocker and was working extra hours but not billing to keep up.
BUT…
One Person Irks You
Haven’t you had that one person (can’t call leader) manager that wasn’t really quite a leader or a manager? I have and it’s one of the most frustrating things you can come across as a contract programmer. Just like having such few leaders I’ve had some bad managers. Very bad managers.
While Working Late One Night
One night while working about 1 ½ hours a little extra on a project. The guy I was working for on the project walked in the contractor room I was working. Made nice conversation, told him I was just cleaning up a few things for the next day. He told me good night and to not work very late.
What A Shock
I thought nothing of it at the time. An, hour he left I receive an email from the agency I was contracting from and was told that the project has ended and not to come back the next day. WHAT! OK.
Managers With Out Backbones
Yeah, and that’s what I mean about managers without backbones. Willing to throw you under the bus when things aren’t going right for them. Ones who don’t talk with you and then treat you bad. No explanation or nothing. NO BACKBONE.
Managers Are People Too
If you’re a company with MANAGERS like this, I would look at productivity numbers, employee satisfaction numbers and any unusual anomalies for that particular person under any group, department or section. What ever there being called now.
Weed Out Bad Managers Retain Staff
Eventually you’ll be able to weed out those bad MANAGERS and start keeping leaders whom will be both beneficial to the company and to the engaged contractor or employee. Lateral and vertical promotions. Stop, just stop.
Take A Good Look
Take a look at these people. Please. People are not just assets for you or others to demean like this. Leaders with backbone would have stopped in and said, hey man things are not working out and these are the reasons why.
That would have gained my respect more than anything. So, sad. So, Sad.
If you have the time or inclination, please share with me your experiences that you’ve had with managers, leaders , both good and bad.
NOTE :- Manager and not Manger
I did that on purpose. Don’t know why I just did. Is that appropriate?
Thoughts & Ideas, Joseph Kravis 🙂
This article was collaborated on by using chatGPT and images I’ve created with MIDJOURNEY. A fun orchestration by me. 🙂 All images available in higher resolution.
Categories: Thoughts and Ideas
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