Does Your Manager Get You?
Why can’t I work for this company, wear jeans AND have long hair!?
I asked this question. I asked it in 1972. Okay, the main part of me who asked it was my tormented soul. Does my long hair interfere with my work ethic? Does it tell people I have a poor work ethic? Does it tell people I am lazy? Heck no! This was a great paying job and I didn’t want to follow the employer’s creed: if you don’t like our rules, leave!
Doesn’t my manager realize that I have a life?
This one is probably more 2009-ish. And if you’re under the age of thirty-five, you are probably asking it more often than your older coworkers. I had no options in 1972. I had to get a haircut – though I kept it as long as the company would allow. Today, you have options. Well, those of you who can demonstrate value to your company, have options.
When your manager recognizes your value, your options increase, as does your leverage. It’s probably obvious to you, you have a decent grasp on the technical knowledge required to do your job and your skills are as good as Bob’s, who has been at it since Britany Spears was in diapers. Some of this would be obvious to your manager too, except that he is too consumed with your inability to get paperwork in on time, take care of your truck and keep track of company tools used.
If you want your manager to get you, you need to try to get him.
Now here’s a hard, cold dose of reality that most managers and owners will attempt to minimize: You can follow every rule and policy to the tee, but they still will not get you.
Follow the rules and policies. Do the best that you can. Work on your skills, work on your game. Work to the point where you can say, “I do what I am supposed to, I am working on my education and skills. Now I need this, or I want this…”
Take note of your manager’s reaction. If you can see progress to your needs, give him some time and room. If doors continue to be slammed in your face, you’ll need to make preparations to find a new company. The importance of taking these type of actions with your present company is that they provide an education to what works and what doesn’t.
This isn’t 1972 and genetics have trumped my protest. You however, have the world in your hands. There are folks out there who will give you the room and freedom that you need along with the resources and help you need for your career. Cover the basics, educate yourself and practice your skills. You’ll do just fine.
