Never get “Too big for your Boots”

There’s a saying in football that “no-one is bigger than the Club” and it’s usually said about a player or manager who is paid generously but who has succumbed to the temporary “adulation” given to them.

It’s no different in business of course.

Some exaggerate their importance and give off an air of superiority.

Then, one day their world falls in by being overlooked or retirement beckons without much fuss and they recount how they had “given the best years of their life” with little thanks.

The fact that they had a good career, were paid well and had a part to play is not seen as enough recognition.

Loving your job is one thing but turning it into an obsession is unhealthy.

The rules are simple.

We get given a job, we should do it well, enjoy it, get paid and carry on being of value.

Any sensible Company wants to get the best from staff and should provide a platform for it but for anyone to think if they left that the Company would fail has lost a sense of reality.

If we are that good, other Companies would have been knocking down our door to join them.

Change happens and we must adapt to continue proving we are competent and a good achiever.

Often, when arguing that we have done this job for twenty years we anticipate the hearer will interpret this as proof of our success.

Without more scrutiny how can it be?

Is it twenty years of experience or five years experience because we thought we were the “finished” product and so forgot to reach out further.

Time is not proof of anything in itself but what was done with the time is a better guide.

Some people like to be the “Boss” whilst thinking they can now drift without risk.

Some even get away with it for years.

I heard recently of a very talented Individual who surprisingly lost an opportunity that went to someone who everyone knew was a surprising choice given what was on offer.

I asked someone in the process why?

In simple terms a member of management felt “threatened” by the idea of introducing such proven talent.

In this case someone must have been held as “bigger than the Company” or whose decision could not be challenged.

This is weak management of the worst kind.

If there is no-one capable or being developed to the standard that they could fill our shoes it’s a doomed policy.

The most successful people deliberately surround themselves with the best talent around.

It keeps them driven and motivated and guarantees the best results by using the best minds.

Can you imagine being at an interview being asked by the Managing Director “how long will it take and what will you need to be doing my job?”

Imagine working for someone like that.

Personally, I have never met one.

I would not expect it since they are “unique” but that person will exist.

If you are the “Boss” maybe you might become HIM.

You just need to avoid buying size 8 shoes when you are really a size 10.

Good feet make you stable to stop you falling over!

Mixing Iron with Clay means you cannot stand indefinitely.