Helping CFOs get noticed by CEOs, Investors & Boards ? Helping Finance Leaders shine on LinkedIn with authentic content writing ?
I once had to write an apology to HR for taking a one-hour leave. Early in my career, I left work for an hour to support a friend in need. I informed my manager beforehand. It was a genuine reason, no lies. But when I returned, I was openly humiliated. My manager openly shamed me and demanded a written apology with a promise it wouldn’t happen again. I refused to work with someone like that. Good managers - don’t demand permission for emergencies. - talk to their team before escalating issues. Empathy costs nothing. Step into their shoes and understand. Want to be a good manager? Keep your ego aside and listen. --------------- If you are a Finance Professional wanting to learn about career growth and seeking support, come & join the community: nas.io/gaurav
Those English words appear Korean to me ??
Some managers appear as heroes in front of the team but turn into cowards when dealing with HR and upper management.
Gaurav Mehta It's True. Empathy costs nothing. My earlier manager Porus Doctor has this quality.
Gaurav Mehta thanks for your understanding. Kindly respond with your additional thoughts, insights, and suggestions! Although the intentions were sincere, genuine, and empathetic, it was neither responsible, nor was it being fully accountable. Good employees respect the process ?? ? Everything must be in writing. ? Inform management in an official statement, then have them date and initial the agreement. If I may, imagine an employee leaving work to tend to the need of a friend / family member / loved one, without punching out for lunch. When they return, management has every right to progressively discipline the individual for not following their processes and procedures.
What if it was an organization wide issue? What if the manager was asked by his manager: How can you allow someone to go on a leave based on verbal notice? Is that how your management style is? Now, what will happen if the pending tasks don't get completed? The way I see it is - toxicity percolates down from a very top level and it seeps through the grass roots, amplified.
I completely relate to your experience. I faced a similar situation when my mentor and ex-boss passed away unexpectedly due to a brain stroke. I had just reached the office when I received the news and informed my then-boss, Mr. Gaurav Pant that I needed to leave for Noida immediately. He simply said, “OK,” no questions asked. The next day when I returned, he asked me how I was doing, what had happened, and even if he could help in any way. There was no need for explanations or apologies—it was understood. Even though I have since left that company, Mr. Pant’s genuine and kind gesture still brings a smile to my face. It’s a reminder of what true leadership looks like—empathy and understanding, especially in times of personal crisis.
Gaurav Mehta Thank you for sharing this experience—it highlights an unfortunate reality many employees face early in their careers. Good management is rooted in empathy and understanding, not control. Emergencies and personal commitments are part of life, and how a manager responds to these situations can make or break the trust within a team. A great manager understands that respect and support build loyalty, not demands for apologies over genuine needs. Listening, understanding, and supporting your team during tough times creates an environment of trust and openness. Empathy isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength. As leaders, we need to remember that our job is not just to drive performance but to create a culture where employees feel respected and valued—where they can bring their whole selves to work without fear of being shamed for their personal responsibilities. “True leadership is about service, not control. Step into your team’s shoes, and you’ll lead with integrity and respect.” Keep sharing these stories—they’re important reminders for all of us to reflect on how we lead and treat those around us. Follow Steffi Fernandes
From what I read, the manager is just that - a manager and not so much a leader. There is a huge difference. Almost anyone can be a manager. Once you add people to the mix, you become a leader which requires a different skill set. One manages metrics, things, and processes, etc. When you add people to the mix the manager becomes a leader as well. That requires an additional skill set which few do well. So, organizations should be careful who they place in a leadership role.
Helping CFOs get noticed by CEOs, Investors & Boards ? Helping Finance Leaders shine on LinkedIn with authentic content writing ?
5 个月?? What all I have shared on the community so far? - Job openings in my network - List of Finance Headhunters - Salary Comparison Report for 2024 - FREE 1:1 calls about career discussions - How to build your resume (webinar recording) - How to get started building your presence on Linkedin Much more coming this week - - How to become a better speaker in Finance - Resume templates nas.io/gaurav