Discovering Unicorns in the Workplace

Thanks to all who have been reading and commenting on my posts. I enjoy writing them, and the feedback I get from each of you makes thinking about the next post all the more exciting.

This week was an interesting one, albeit very stressful. So stressful, this 30-something invested in Jack Black Protein Booster Eye Rescue cream to hide the sleep-deprived bags under his eyes. Don't laugh. My eyes are starting to look like I'm wearing permanent mascara. But, I digress.

I've had a lot on my mind, and I finally took to leap to have a conversation with my manager about what's keeping me up at night. So, on a Thursday afternoon, on the eve of an international business trip, we talked. I'm always wary about having career discussions. I would much rather do a 2-hour status update, than put my heart and soul out on the table. I know they are healthy, and every management textbook tells you that these should be happening frequently, but I just get nervous putting my vulnerabilities out in public for the world to see. I guess I'm like Derek Jeter in that regard (Haha, I just compared myself to Derek Jeter). But, even Jeter had to eventually let his guard down.

So, I had the conversation. We talked about career growth and paths to success. We talked about strengths and weaknesses. We talked about opportunities. We talked open and honestly about the future. He shared his career experiences. I listened. I shared my aspirations. He listened. We exchanged feedback like peers, and at the end of the conversation we were both the better for it. I left with a lot to think about.

People talk about being good managers. Some people ARE good managers. Until now, I thought great managers were unicorns. You may hear stories, but you never catch a glimpse. For those of you that manage, mentor and lead people in the workplace, help your teams believe in unicorns. Be the coach, model, whatever metaphor for leader you like, on a daily basis. Celebrate victories with your team. Bring them up when they are down. And, embrace their vulnerabilities. They'll notice. And, they'll thank you. And, eventually they'll pay it forward.

Who's your unicorn? Who's that leader that's inspired you? I'd love to hear your tales.