Chapter 1: A Personal Reflection

During my tenure at a global food corporation a few years back, part of the hiring process included a business aptitude assessment. Applicants were required to complete various cognitive exercises, which, alongside their job performance, determined who would be chosen for future managerial roles. Some individuals were categorized as 'maintain' or 'replace,' while others were seen as 'support and progress' or on the 'executive track.' Although the exact terms escape me, the essence remains clear.

In large organizations, employees can often feel like mere numbers, with human resources policies dictating who deserves investment and who does not. It can be a harsh reality when people are evaluated solely on their perceived productivity.

Frustrations in Leadership

I tend to be quite demanding of myself in a work environment, which inadvertently extends to how I interact with others. While I am not one to raise my voice, I find it challenging to overlook shortcomings—both my own and those of my team. My focus is less on failures and more on strategizing the next steps whenever mistakes occur.

Yet, there’s a particular colleague who excels at getting things done efficiently. She is undeniably productive, but her approach often lacks the foresight needed before executing tasks. My frustration lies not in her occasional errors—after all, we all make them—but rather in her tendency to repeat the same mistakes without learning from them.

I adopted a saying at work: "We never have time to do things right, but we always find time to do them over." This sentiment often resonates with my diligent yet sometimes careless colleague. In the fast-paced food industry, such oversights can mean taking two steps back for every one step forward.

Reflecting on my previous workplace's aptitude evaluation process, I realize that my colleague may not have thrived there; she might have been deemed 'maintained' or 'replaced' due to her recurring errors.

Understanding Humanity in the Workplace

However, we are all human beings with our own imperfections. We juggle personal responsibilities—families, pets, financial obligations. Though I did not hire this colleague, I inherited her from former management and cannot let her go, given her challenging home life. Knowing her situation allows me to accept her occasional mistakes, reminding me that we are not mere automatons focused solely on productivity.

Adapting to her oversight has improved my leadership skills. I now incorporate checks and balances into our workflow, ensuring tasks are structured in a way that accommodates her challenges. I find solace in the fact that she is not in that other company, as she has ultimately contributed to my growth as a person and a manager.

Through this experience, she has taught me patience and expanded my perspective on business relationships. This has not only enhanced my communication skills with our board of directors but has also made me more compassionate when navigating the complexities of our work environment.

The first video titled "What does it really mean to be a “hard worker?”" explores the concept of hard work in a nuanced way. It delves into the importance of understanding the balance between productivity and personal well-being.

The Perspective Shift

Life occasionally presents us with challenges, requiring us to adjust our approaches. While my colleague can be a source of frustration, gaining a broader understanding of her circumstances has deepened my empathy. It has also prompted me to reassess my own task-oriented mindset, recognizing that we must manage people as the complex beings they are.

Recognizing the personal landscapes others navigate when their lives intersect with ours is a significant opportunity for growth. We often learn the most when faced with difficulties across all areas of life, as we are all flawed individuals striving to do our best in a demanding corporate world.

The second video titled "3. What Does It Mean to Be a “Hard Worker”? | No Stupid Questions" discusses the various dimensions of hard work and the often-overlooked emotional aspects tied to it.

Conclusion

In a world that can be unforgiving, it is crucial to approach relationships with understanding and compassion. The lessons learned from my colleague have reshaped my perspective, reinforcing the idea that life is more than just tasks and profits. As we navigate our professional journeys, let’s remember the importance of treating each other with humanity, rather than as mere cogs in a machine.