Have you ever been told that you can’t do something because you weren’t “enough“? Old enough, smart enough, tall enough, experienced enough, etc.? Have you ever told yourself these messages before you even try?
This week’s blog is a two-part story. It may sound simple and straightforward on the surface, but the experience I will share has had positive ripple effects in my life and how I interact with and challenge others. After reading last week’s blog, you learned a bit about my adventure moving to Southern California and my first corporate job, which I landed shortly after arriving.
My direct supervisor there, Phil, made a massive impact on me. Little did I know, but the guidance from Phil combined with those new experiences helped shape many parts of my early professional life. Amazingly, I continue to reflect on those experiences and apply the lessons learned to life today.
Although I’ve been talking mostly about Phil, he wasn’t my only direct supervisor at the Safeway Warehouse. Another fellow named Dennis was the Night Manager. I worked the last four hours of his night shift and the first four of Phil’s day shift. Now, Dennis was a bit different than Phil, but we all have our strengths, right?
Dennis was smart, intense, high-energy and his chain smoking habit matched his intensity. He was a “get it done now” kind of guy, and when things were moving too slowly, he would often step in to speed up the process. His particular style and way of handling things was direct and effective, but on occasion, it did not work in his favor…especially the night he broke his leg.
I don’t remember the particulars, except that there had been an issue with a stacked pallet, quite high up. In his typical fashion, Dennis had attempted to resolve the issue, then and there, without enlisting additional help. Well, he fell, and caused a major break to his leg. This kept him off work for a number of weeks: the break was severe and it limited his ability to move throughout the huge warehouse.
Normally, his absence would not have caused an operational crisis, as Phil and another standby Manager would simply work it out to cover the night shift for Dennis. However, the timing was terrible. Phil was scheduled to be away for two weeks on a pre-planned, pre-paid vacation. The previous arrangement made was supposed to move Dennis to the day shift, and bring the standby Manager over to run the nights. With Dennis out of commission, the other Manager was now needed to run the day shift, leaving the night shift without a supervisor. Cue…Phil. He walks in, same big smile, sparkling eyes, looking like he had a nefarious plan.
“So, Sarah, I’ve been over to Headquarters and here’s how we’re going to deal with Dennis being out and Jim needing to work the day shift. You’re going to supervise the night shift.” It wasn’t a question or an invitation. It was a statement of fact, met with dead silence on my part. You could have heard a pin drop in that room.
My mind was racing, plotting, and my body was begging to run the other way. I didn’t say a word, but I didn’t have to, apparently the look on my face betrayed the thoughts in my mind. “No way! Are you kidding me? I have no direct supervisory experience. ALL of the guys working here are 10 or 20 years older than I am! I am office staff. They will most certainly eat me alive!”
Phil clearly read the look on my face and the concern in my eyes; I did not think this was a good plan. In fact, I thought it was a horrible plan. Phil should definitely postpone his vacation until Dennis could come back, end of story. Get a more experienced manager to cover. Something. Well, that wasn’t going to happen. Phil had family waiting on him, events already planned and he was committed to taking his vacation. I was going to be the night supervisor, like it or not. And as always, Phil had a plan.
Sensing my trepidation, Phil said, “Okay, listen. This is how it’s going to happen…” What did Phil have in store for me? To be continued.
It’s a cliffhanger, I know!! So, now that I’ve got your attention, I need a teeny tiny favor. It’s easy, all you have to do is come back tomorrow and read the rest of the story. I’ll share the lessons I learned and promise it will be worth your time.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: While you are waiting to read Part 2, consider this: What you think of yourself matters, a lot! Your positive opinion of yourself can help push you forward through times of uncertainty. On the flip side, our negative opinions of self will hold us back. Productivity Theory published a great article (http://productivitytheory.com/16-quotes-on-self-acceptance/) that can help us throw off labels imposed by others and see ourselves for who we are.
See you tomorrow for Part 2!
