I do recall a job well done on the annual partner conference and acquisition integration. Then again that’s rooted in latter experiences and comparisons. I would say being personally vulnerable at a workplace is a risk and speaks to emotional safety. Are there people who would weaponize any experience? Or would it be held sacred and a special moment or bonding? I found the latter can be difficult to identify in workplaces, especially at competitive tech companies. It was too easy to one up someone and feel threatened than to want to row in the same direction. I do reflect on the individuals who had the ego strength to be authentic, driven, and share the oars.
Thanks for the reflections, Tracy. I, too, appreciate those who could "share the oars" and the situations when it is appropriate to be vulnerable at work. In our past, I definitely recall the commitment you put into always making my team look good, even in crunch times, despite that you were in a "one to many" situation, supporting multiple product managers at the same time. To me, this was much more about the relationships and your overall ethos than the specific deliverables (battle cards, data sheets, etc.) that you worked on. I am excited by your new career direction and the opportunity to share in a different way, too!
Will never forget the great Stevie P rapping about sales ppl “eating steak while I’m eating burger”
Much more is learned about life and oneself during times of struggle and outright failure than times of great success. I had all of the above.
If I had everything to do all over again, I’d have taken a year off, traveled, volunteered, and made it a point to surround myself with people “different” from me.
Different professions, different ethnicities, different strengths and weaknesses, different everything. And I’d have asked more questions and listened more.
Great thoughts, Michael. I totally agree that more is learned in times of struggle! Different everything, asking, and listening are also so fitting! Thank you!
I do recall a job well done on the annual partner conference and acquisition integration. Then again that’s rooted in latter experiences and comparisons. I would say being personally vulnerable at a workplace is a risk and speaks to emotional safety. Are there people who would weaponize any experience? Or would it be held sacred and a special moment or bonding? I found the latter can be difficult to identify in workplaces, especially at competitive tech companies. It was too easy to one up someone and feel threatened than to want to row in the same direction. I do reflect on the individuals who had the ego strength to be authentic, driven, and share the oars.
Thanks for the reflections, Tracy. I, too, appreciate those who could "share the oars" and the situations when it is appropriate to be vulnerable at work. In our past, I definitely recall the commitment you put into always making my team look good, even in crunch times, despite that you were in a "one to many" situation, supporting multiple product managers at the same time. To me, this was much more about the relationships and your overall ethos than the specific deliverables (battle cards, data sheets, etc.) that you worked on. I am excited by your new career direction and the opportunity to share in a different way, too!
Will never forget the great Stevie P rapping about sales ppl “eating steak while I’m eating burger”
Much more is learned about life and oneself during times of struggle and outright failure than times of great success. I had all of the above.
If I had everything to do all over again, I’d have taken a year off, traveled, volunteered, and made it a point to surround myself with people “different” from me.
Different professions, different ethnicities, different strengths and weaknesses, different everything. And I’d have asked more questions and listened more.
Great thoughts, Michael. I totally agree that more is learned in times of struggle! Different everything, asking, and listening are also so fitting! Thank you!