March 27, 2007
Perspective
My first day back into the fray was actually pretty damned good. I made a point of making sure my team knew how much I appreciated all they did to give me the space I needed to take care of things last week. And let me tell you - my boss rocks.
The funny thing is I had 6 voicemails on my machine when I got home Saturday. All were recruiters with VERY local offers. Either work from homes or within a 45 minute drive.
I called the recruiters back yesterday and told them Thanks but No Thanks. But also asked that they keep my name for future opportunities (never burn those bridges!)
You see - as far as I'm concerned the company I work for has treated me like a queen. I am supported, believed in and appreciated. That is 90% of the battle as far as I'm concerned. I'm not going anywhere for a while.
And they like me. As a person. I find that amazing. Seriously. I'm used to most places appreciating my work ethic. And my analytical skills. But my personality? Yeah, not so much. I can be a bit......much at times.
But I realized something last week. You see, I was the lone sales shark in a bayou of buyers. A strange mix, to be sure. And I saw I'm actually not as assertive as I think I am. Actually, I may be a bit too nice in my dealings. Oh - I'm not planning on changing my style, that's for sure. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. But, it was rather surprising to see I'm sorta kinda......mushy.
Not only that, but I'm not nearly the control freak I thought I was turning into. My Reps are professionals (for the most part) that are where they are in life because they know how to do their jobs. And do them well. The staff in the office? Some of the best I've ever worked with. We're understaffed and under trained and that didn't stop them. We missed no deadlines (I did, but they didn't) and things went out pulled together and polished. All they needed me for was the final approvals and to answer a couple questions. There was no "This is what I'm gonna need for you to do...."s or anything.
I manage like Mama Vi did. With a Tammi Twist thrown in for flavor. And I'm alright with that. To be in an environment that encourages that is very refreshing.
When I look back and realize how close I came to missing out on this opportunity it's freaky. It's pretty clear to me now that I'm supposed to be here. In this company. In this industry. Oh, I'm still the Anti-Craft (link to Harvey's really cool graphic!), but I'm starting to get it. I've been here almost a year now, and while there are some frustrating moments, overall, I couldn't be happier with my career.
Funny the things we notice when we take a moment to just stop. And breathe. I'm thinkin' we all might need to do that every once in awhile. Maybe we'll be able to realize things aren't as bad as we think they are.
Posted by Tammi at March 27, 2007 05:35 AM | TrackBack