I like the mention of leadership in the most recent posts. I believe in the adage you manage things and lead people. Being a leader is tough and getting tougher every day. I do not miss my professional role at all nor do I envy those of you still in those roles.
To all the managers of your respective fields.
- Thread starter Bobbysixkiller
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Oldengineer
Member
Managers allocate resources. Leaders play the hard cards.
And at the end of the day, all leaders move on, just the last seat in the chair for better or worse.
I started in management at 24 years old in a union shop for all but 5 of the next 40 years I was in manufacturing management roles. Early on in the union shop it was a daily battle. Lots of guys whose respect I had to earn because of my age. later in my career, I learned to lead instead of boss.
I remember my first GM role in a small company, the foreman, hired the same day as I, told me after about a year, that when he first started, he went home an told his wife he was going to quit because he "couldn't work for that arrogant SOB." He said he later realized it wasn't arrogance, it was confidence.
I always said that, figuratively, I would put my arm behind my team mate's back and walk just a little faster that they were comfortable walking, then before they knew it they were jogging. All success was their work. They got the credit.
I also had the unpleasant task of terminating dozens of employees over the years, including union employees. Never fired anyone who didn't truly earn that honor.
I remember my first GM role in a small company, the foreman, hired the same day as I, told me after about a year, that when he first started, he went home an told his wife he was going to quit because he "couldn't work for that arrogant SOB." He said he later realized it wasn't arrogance, it was confidence.
I always said that, figuratively, I would put my arm behind my team mate's back and walk just a little faster that they were comfortable walking, then before they knew it they were jogging. All success was their work. They got the credit.
I also had the unpleasant task of terminating dozens of employees over the years, including union employees. Never fired anyone who didn't truly earn that honor.
Lifetime worker bee.
Herd together the old timers in my lunch group in retirement.
Herd together the old timers in my lunch group in retirement.
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Like others I've had good and bad experiences as a manager. Once promoted a single mother with 2 kids to a position at almost double wages. She was a good worker on night shift so made my life easier. Later had to fire her for having sex in a limestone silo while on the clock.
After 12 years in management I moved to a different city and took a tech job. Kept that for 18 years and slept better every night..
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Where I worked they would have you give a reason for your illness if you called in sick.
A guy who was retiring called in one morning that I was on the desk and said he was calling in sick with "Anal Glaucoma".
Followed by "I can't see my butt (only a different word) coming to work."
A guy who was retiring called in one morning that I was on the desk and said he was calling in sick with "Anal Glaucoma".
Followed by "I can't see my butt (only a different word) coming to work."
Best excuse I heard came from a tour guide in Yellowstone NP.
One of the other guides called in and told them he couldn't make it in that morning.
When asked for his reason he explained there was a grizzly bear sitting on his front porch and he didn't feel right about asking him to move.
One of the other guides called in and told them he couldn't make it in that morning.
When asked for his reason he explained there was a grizzly bear sitting on his front porch and he didn't feel right about asking him to move.
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Sounds like almost everyone on the forum was a supervisor!
As a worker, along with other workers we had plenty of supervisor stories!!
It isn't just one sided!
Ed
As a worker, along with other workers we had plenty of supervisor stories!!
It isn't just one sided!
Ed
Reminds me of an officer in the Youth Bureau. He had his,hair done and it turned green. He did come to work though.
Lt.: You need to go to X public meeting tomorrow.
Sgt.: I really don't want to - those people aren't my types.
Lt.: Captain was thinking that since you're getting paid tomorrow, you should go to the meeting.
Sgt.: Yes sir.
Sgt.: I really don't want to - those people aren't my types.
Lt.: Captain was thinking that since you're getting paid tomorrow, you should go to the meeting.
Sgt.: Yes sir.
'79 Magnum GT
Member
I wasn't involved in any sort of management position but I did hear of one guy say he couldn't come into work because the tires of his car froze to the ground. Another time the front door of his house was stuck shut and he couldn't get it open..... they never use the back door!
