No, this is not a plea for a raise. No, my job isn’t in jeopardy and I’m not buttering him up. I really love my boss, Rob Thomas (neither the Matchbox 20 frontman nor the creator of Veronica Mars). In fact, I hope he doesn’t read this.
The reason I love my boss is because I love working for him. To be honest, I’m not the easiest guy to manage. I act on my instincts 90% of the time, and that translates to obsessive and crazy swings of both ideas and moods. But he manages. We’ve already had a couple chats where he seeks to understand me and vice versa.
Here’s one of the things I love most about the way he manages me: He pretty much leaves me alone. He knows I’m incredibly driven and he lets me do what he wants me to do. He knows I’ll make his projects my projects and do my best.
That creates an amazing dynamic when he does tell me to do something. When he actually gives me a directive, it makes me want to do it immediately. I’m grateful to do what he asks. I know it’s something important so I attack it immediately – even if it might be considered nit-picky. He’s like the quiet friend in a group. He may not say much, but when he does I listen. He may not manage much, but when he does I move.
Many pastors and leaders can learn from his example. Every now and then you get the privilege (or misfortune) to work with highly driven individuals. You can either constantly try to keep them on the track you have for them, or let them run wild and choose your battles carefully. That’s the way you need to deal with crazies like me at least…
I connect with this on so many levels. Are you sure we’re not related? 😉
I connect with this on so many levels. Are you sure we’re not related? 😉