Job is Personal!

The concept of work-life balance is often touted as a myth, and I am a firm believer that a business or job is more than just an entity to which we dedicate eight or nine hours every weekday. It is, in fact, a deeply personal aspect of our lives.

Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work for several companies, each with its own unique processes, guidelines, and focal points. Some companies prioritize targets and revenue, while others place a higher value on their people. Interestingly, I have observed that companies that value their employees tend to be more successful and consistent than those that solely focus on monthly revenue improvements.

However, the success of a company also largely depends on the type of professionals it chooses to hire. A person who is primarily driven by financial gain may be a good fit for a revenue-focused firm, while someone who values human interaction and relationships may be better suited for a company that prioritizes its people. A mismatch between the company's values and the individual's can lead to a toxic or unproductive work environment.

Although my dream job may seem unrealistic, I continue to harbor hopes of either landing it or creating it in the near future.

To illustrate my point, let me share an experience from Ten years ago when I was hired by an exceptional leader. Despite leaving the job after nearly six years, I still cherish the time I spent contributing to that company and working under a leader I greatly admire.

So, what made this job so special and how did it make me realize that a job can be more than just a daily grind?

Firstly, this leader trusted me from the outset. Despite having multiple job offers, some with more attractive remuneration and incentive structures, I chose this company. During the interview, we didn't discuss my roles and responsibilities, qualifications, or any other typical interview topics. Instead, we talked about processes, improvements, and how he believed I could be an asset to the company. This immediate trust made me feel valued and motivated me to perform to the best of my abilities.

Secondly, this company was understanding of personal needs. Unlike many companies that have strict rules regarding time, leave, and performance standards, this company gave its employees control. Late arrivals, unannounced absences, or dips in performance were not immediately reprimanded but were first understood and respected. The leader would always inquire about our personal well-being before addressing any work-related issues.

Thirdly, this leader was more of a mentor than a boss. There were no blind targets or revenue goals. Instead, we were informed about the company's financial health and encouraged to take initiatives. We were given the freedom to work in our own style and pace, as long as we contributed to the company's realistic and achievable goals.

Lastly, this leader was realistic and accommodating. We didn't chase unrealistic goals but focused on achievable targets. He encouraged continuous learning and even sponsored courses or certifications. He was hands-on and would step in to complete urgent tasks instead of just delegating them.

Working under this leader taught me valuable professional skills such as people management, time management, setting and achieving targets, and building processes or systems. More importantly, he reinstated the 'human' aspect in the Human Resources field.

Like any job, there were ups and downs, and disagreements, but he remains one of the managers I admire and look up to. Although I am no longer associated with this company or its people, including the leader I admired, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for the invaluable experience.

Thank you, Leonard, for the uplifting experience you provided.

Thank you all for reading. This is my first article, and I appreciate your patience with any language or grammatical errors.