If I develop them to be better than me, I am doing my job.

@JenInTN (27514)
United States
August 3, 2012 8:10pm CST
I take my job very seriously and one of the aspects of my job is developing people to their full potential. Not my idea of potential, which is where I feel like some managers tend to get confused. Listening to what people tell me is sometimes how I determine this because I, like any other living being, have opinions and ideas. Of course I use them, but I also feel like they have a right to go where they want to go. If I can take them there..I am doing my job and the company I work for benefits in the process. This is, of course, my opinion. I have recently printed a job description and an educational reimbursement form for a very beneficial team player in my department. This could potentially take him from, not only me, but my team. In trying to help him become what he wants, have I done my job by not holding him back? Would you keep him because of the strength that he brought to the team or would you let him go? Business and personal opinions are welcomed.
1 person likes this
2 responses
@roberten (3128)
• United States
4 Aug 12
Jen, you have absolutely done the right thing by following through with team development. Leaders are trainers; like children, your job is to train up subordinates in the way that they should or want to go. If you do your job correctly, you will always have a new supply of individuals to train because others before them will move on to positions of greater heights. Raise your subordinates to embrace greatness and to reach for the stars; then, and only then, you will have done your job.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
4 Aug 12
I have a very different management style than the other managers in the company. It's not easy sometimes. I really do care about the people that work with me and I started out just like them. If no one had taken the time for me, where would I be..right? Thanks for the response.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
4 Aug 12
That is the thing....if they..on their own choose a goal..how can I not take them there from their position..even if it is not by company or personal choice? It is a goal they have made and my job is development towards that.
• United States
4 Aug 12
Great job. We are all here to help each other, eh? And thank you for your service to your consumers and coworkers.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
4 Aug 12
I believe that with all that I am. I try to maintain a standard of treating everyone the same on an individual basis. Thanks for the response.