Old Timers & Up and Comers

I guess you can say it is another example of the circle of life. Perhaps coincidentally, lately I have attended a number of meetings at which in attendance were veteran supervisors and their recently-hired assistants. Throughout the meetings, I was struck by several things: at how often the veterans deferred to their less-experienced assistants; and how articulate those young assistants were. While I am in no way suggesting these particular supervisors are in any way representative of all veteran supervisors, I did find it interesting they seemed to be making a conscious effort to let their underling have the spotlight.

Being professionally generous is a good thing on many levels. From a communication standpoint, it is an effective way of letting the assistant or person who is not the boss know they are valued and appreciated, that their abilities are recognized, and that their professional growth is a priority to the office. Further, it lets others know that the assistant is to be respected. Also, for me, watching those supervisors voluntarily relinquish the spotlight demonstrates the particular veteran places great importance on the needs of their office rather on just feeding their own egos.

Communication is an act of sharing. Connecting with others and then taking steps to maintain that connection requires what I call a "we" mentality rather than an "I" one. This perspective is better served if it comes from the person who is either in-charge, has seniority, or who is older-in-age. Generally, it is that person who has the clout or power. Consequently, power is better served when it is shared generously rather than used as a hammer over others. The supervisors I witnessed demonstrated a generosity that greatly benefited their own status, that of their staff member, the organization which they both serve, and the communication efforts between them.