A second before picking up I glanced at the display and the name there surprised me. It was the name of the high level major department manager (position just a level below the company CEO). He was responsible for probably more than 300 folks in different departments and units across the Globe. I had only spoken with him once during my initial interview before joining the company (and it was only a brief talk for a couple of minutes). My initial experience with high level managers up to that moment had one common trait ‘None of them ever speaks to the grunts’. The folks, doing the real job – the high management don’t have time for them. The grunt’s contribution is just part of their gantt chart, report or plan – that’s it, plain and simple.
“Hey Simeon, how are you doing… remember me… I am…” and he started introducing himself. And I knew very well who he is and what did he do. I just didn’t have a clue why he called me, but I suspected I am in trouble.
In the next five minutes I was amazed that not only the manager was familiar with my clients, projects and progress but also congratulated me frankly on my successfully completed work. In the end he just thanked me and wished me even more successful projects in the future. It was a very short call but I felt so validated and my achievements recognised. As a result my motivation was skyrocketing and so was my level of respect for this guy and the company itself.
I also learned probably the most valuable lesson in leadership ‘Find time to say 'thank you' and recognise the work of your folks personally’.
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