The Term 'My People' Is BS!

I am sure that you have heard a lot of folks in the business world use the term 'my people'. In many ways, it is a term of affection and acceptance. The person saying it means they respect and appreciate the people that work for them. It is a good thing.

However, it seems that I hear it in a toxic manner many times. It is toxic when used in a possessive way. Statements like 'don't talk to my people' or 'I cannot believe they approached my people'. Let's just make one thing really clear:

None of us own anyone. They are not 'our people'. They are their own person. They are people we like working with. They are people who have talents and skills we admire. However, they are NEVER 'our people' in a possessive manner.

How would you feel if there was a job or position available that you would be good at, was a big career move for you, and brought more compensation and perks to the table but your manager/leader kept that from you?

Good companies and good managers/leaders attract and develop good people. The highest compliment you can receive is knowing that others know you have good and talented people. I would be worried if none of the people I work with were ever approached.

As a good leader/manager, you are helping people get to the next level of their career or into a position they want. Sometimes that is not available in your company, at least not right now. Why would you ever want to hold these people back?

I think we all know why. It is a selfish move meant to benefit the manager/leader at the cost of the person working for them. Yes, you have invested time and dollars in developing that person. However, keep in mind this old adage:

CFO: What happens if we train them, and they leave?

CEO: What happens if we don't, and they stay?

Don't get me wrong. No one wants to lose good people. However, it is incumbent upon the leader/manager to provide opportunities to develop. Sometimes that might mean a valued employee leaves. Yet, if you handle it right, that employee may come back when the opportunity and timing is right. You will attract other solid people who see that they will not be held back in their careers by selfish behavior. If you are a good leader/manager, it means you are good at identifying and developing strong people. Keep using and illustrating that skill. You will never lack for good people. The people that leave will sing your praises and help you.

At the end of the day, if your people are always being approached by others, it means you attract and develop strong people. This is your competitive advantage. Remember, it is a compliment. Also, the only people who will leave are those who just don't have the same opportunity at your company in the time frame they desire. There is nothing you can do about that but keep attracting and developing strong people.

So, if you ever hear a leader/manager of yours get upset or mad that someone is approaching 'their people', run, don't walk away from that person as fast as you can. It means they see life as all about them. You are their possession, and that is BS!