Dear Employee

An open letter to my Team Members

This is the second of a two-part series where I try to process and reflect on my roles at work. Like most people, I play dual roles — I lead teams, but I am also accountable to my bosses. In thinking about both of those linked but fundamentally different contexts, I have pulled out a few things I would say (if asked) to either my leaders or my team members. I hope you can relate. Here goes.

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Dear Employee,

1. It might seem simplistic, but the most important thing is to actually show up and do the work. I don’t mean attendance or “presenteeism”. Being at the office or on the Zoom call when your mind is elsewhere. I mean dedicate some actual time to give your full attention to the work.
2. Do work that you’ll be proud of. This doesn’t mean perfect — just thorough and thought out. If for whatever reason you can’t deliver, I’d rather know upfront, early enough to be able to do something about it. Please don’t let me be blindsided.
3. On the point above, it also helps to be consistent. I’ve heard it said that it is better to be consistently good than occassionally brilliant. Other Managers might not agree with me, but I’d rather get 80% out of you each week, than 110% once a quarter.
4. Speak up, don’t act out. I’m not your parent or your shrink, I cannot look into a crystal ball to see what’s bugging you. I understand that you’d rather keep somethings personal, and I’m ok with the boundaries. But if it impacts the work, we need to find a way to deal with it.
5. Still on the issue of speaking up, if you see something, say something. I only ask that you try to say it with some respect and empathy. Hopefully, I haven’t created a system where you feel the need to put others down to look good. The only exception is gossip. I really don’t want to know what is going on in our colleague’s personal life. Also, when you make a mistake, own it. Just make sure you try to learn from it.
6. Lastly on speaking up. If you don’t agree, speak up. I will listen and consider it. However, there will be times when I might not be able to take your suggestion on board. It doesn’t mean I think you’re stupid. There are usually many things going on, different angles to consider. Please don’t let this discourage you.
7. Ask questions when you’re not clear. Don’t assume you know what is in my head. That said, every now and then, I appreciate it when you come to me with ideas of your own. I promise not to shoot them down. I like to see that you’re thinking for yourself. It helps me with my own thinking.
8. Ask for help. There is a reason why superheroes only exist in movies. If you burn out, you are not helping anyone — me, yourself, your team mates. If you need time off, to rest, to catch your breath, do that.
9. Learn to keep a secret. Confidentiality is very important and a key ingredient to building trusting relationships. As the saying goes, loose lips sink ships. I need to know that things told in confidence will remain that way.
10. You may have been scarred previously and conditioned to do the opposite, but I need you to trust that I will share the spotlight with you. Don’t try to grab it, it undermines trust. There is a fine line between ambition and backstabbing and power grabbing.
11. Be willing to stretch yourself. A lot of times, you really aren’t as objective about how far you can go as you think. So if you see me pushing you, I’m not trying to be mean, I am trying to tap your potential. And, since we’re being honest, I might also be trying to fill an existing need. Remember that learning and growth push you out of your comfort zone. It may sometimes hurt — like muscles do after a tough workout.
12. Always remember that it’s not personal. Hopefully, we both have a job doing something we care about. As with all things, we may have to disagree sometimes, but know that we don’t need 100% alignment to work together. I’m not demanding blind loyalty, just the benefit of doubt, some faith.
13. Take care of your health. Physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually (if it’s your thing). I need you at your best. When one part suffers, all parts suffer. I don’t believe in the “leave it at the door” philosophy.
14. Finally, you’re going to be in my shoes one day. Trust me, there is no “cut-over switch” — excellent managers are groomed, not born or appointed or promoted. It is the habits of mind and body that you build painstakingly from now that will help you succeed. I’m here to help you with that. Your success is my success. We both need to remember that.

Yours faithfully,

Manager.