Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

I spent a lot of time thinking over the weekend, my good friend and "lieutenant" gave me his two weeks notice on Friday. Earlier in my career this type of news would have been devastating. I would have taken it personally and resented the individual.

Through a period of reflection this weekend, I reminded myself why I moved into a management role, it's about the people. Treating people with respect and honesty, challenging them, and enabling them. It’s bittersweet losing someone on the team, yes it sucks losing them, but it’s softened, knowing that individual's journey from where they started to where they are now, and ultimately where they are going next. I take great pride in knowing that through my guidance and leadership I helped facilitate this individual's success.

I hired this individual as an engineer two organizations and over six years ago. Then, I hired him again as a manager and now I’m watching him leave for a director position. When he interviewed for the engineering role years ago he was a bright, passionate, educator who happened to also do IT on the side. He was my first hire, he was unqualified for the role, but I took a chance on him. He didn’t have the technical skills to do the job but his passion and desire to learn was more than enough to compensate for where he lacked. After all, you can teach technology, but it’s hard to instill passion and desire into an individual. That chance paid off, and I was rewarded with a highly motivated hard worker, who eventually became a good friend and confidant.

It has been incredible experience to watch and be a part of his journey. I’m not upset about his departure but I’m proud and hopeful. I’m proud of everything that he has accomplished and I’m hopeful that he will impact others lives and careers the same way I did for him.

Good luck Dominic, best of luck in your new role. I know you're going to do great things.