on_the_privileges_of

Excerpted from Walk Awhile in MY Shoes

On the “privileges” of management

From managers to employees

There’s no denying that I occasionally enjoy certain benefits and freedoms that you don’t.

Granted, I’m usually not held to the same work schedule as you. Sometimes I may take longer lunches than you are allowed. Some days I arrive later or leave earlier than normal. And yes, once in a while I have an opportunity to mix business with pleasure – something that’s rarely afforded to you. Undoubtedly, you’re aware of other management “privileges” as well. You see them happening, and they probably tick you off, right? Sure! It’s only natural. What you may not realize, however, is that the few special benefits I enjoy balance out with the things I do that you don’t see and therefore don’t know about.

How could you know? You’re not here every time I come in early to keep up with the day’s work. You’re not here every time I stay late for supposedly short meetings that never are. You’re not here every time I work on my days off in order to meet yet another deadline. And you have no idea how many times, out of business necessity, I must once again place work ahead of family, friends, and personal enjoyment.

If, as some people say, “rank has its privileges,” it can only be because “rank” also has its extra demands. Both come with the job, but I guarantee you there are more demands than there are privileges. And of those privileges I do enjoy, overtime pay isn’t one of them.

The next time you get angry about a management perk, try switching roles. Are you absolutely sure you’d do things differently if you walked awhile in my shoes?

“By working faithfully eight hours a day, you may eventually get to be boss and work twelve hours a day!” ~Robert Frost

On “participative management”

From employees to managers

All things considered, I do a pretty decent job of managing my own life. I vote and I pay taxes. I obey the laws (most of them, anyway). I dress and feed myself and probably others as well. I pay bills. I manage a checking account. I plan vacations. The list goes on and on. I am a responsible adult with a brain! But sometimes at work I feel I’m treated like I can’t think or be trusted to make good decisions. It happens more than you might imagine, and it bothers me as much as it would bother you.

Believe it or not, I do keep up with certain trends. I know that concepts like “participative management,” “teams,” and “empowerment” are part of today’s business scene. And I understand how they can help make businesses better and more successful. Sometimes I see those trends happening in our organization – I see employees being given the opportunity to provide input on key decisions and work processes. Sometimes I don’t.

I understand that these trends may not be easy for you to accept and deal with. They probably aren’t the way things were done when you came up through the ranks. And they may involve many hurdles that I’m not aware of and therefore can’t truly appreciate. I just know that sometimes the chance to participate seems real, sometimes it’s token, and sometimes it’s non-existent.

Here’s what else I know: It’s a lot easier to feel like an important part of this organization when I have the chance to become involved; it’s a lot easier to hear words like “act like you own the business” when you give me the opportunity to do so. Remember that I’ve got a stake in this organization’s success just like you do.

Even as a manager, ever feel that you’d like a little more say in how things are done around here? Try walking awhile in my shoes!

“I don’t care to be involved in the crash landing unless I can be in on the takeoff.” ~ Harold Stassen