Occasionally my mind harks back to people who have left an indelible mark on my personality. Some times it’s family, some times it’s friends, and some times it is work place… acquaintances.
I remember my days at Absolute Studios in Glasgow. Whilst it was a place I began to develop my technical skills as a new Systems Manager, it was also a place where I could learn how to not treat people. Especially, the ‘HR’ Mary Robertson, I can safely say taught me a few lessons on what being an awful human being is.
Mary Robertson was the classic example of angry little Glaswegian lady with a modicum of power behind her desk. The defining moment was being told I can not leave half an hour early to be with family whilst our beloved family pet was put to sleep due to the pain he was in. My parents had to wait outside as the clock ticked away. I still, to this day, remember the phone call in the car from the vet saying he had to do it: we had run out of time. We were not there for an animal that needed us. Parental plans to be there were ruined.
Mary Robertson made me feel like a despicable human that day, due to her casual disregard of family values. She will always be the vile piece of work in the faux fur coat with short person syndrome.
To that end, as a manager these days, I always attempt to promote family over work. As my own boss once said, “The company will be there when you get back.” Have faith in your staff to cover their hours, to do that extra half an hour another time. If you don’t, at least show them compassion now and then ask that they catch up later.
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