Just When the Caterpillar Thought, the World Was Over,
It Became a Butterfly
By: Jason Woodring
This English proverb caught my eye the other day, (Isabella Catalog pg.37) and it fueled my thoughts about our Leadership lessons and how much we have learned since the beginning. I find it fitting because I have always been on a quest for more knowledge so that I could feel important one day, learn from my mistakes, not be complacent, and more importantly learn about myself so that I can be happy. I think that is part of the reason why you are learning about leadership as well.
This proverb serves as a reminder to persevere through the journey, when we run into adverse situations. To not only read our lessons, but also put to use the knowledge we gain. For example, I would have never brought up our lessons to my boss without reading about pseudo transformational leadership or authentic leadership or team leadership. I see some things about my boss that prevent a positive flow of accomplishment within our team. There is a feeling of ineptitude from the previous boss and for those members of that team that are on our current team, find it difficult to get on board with our way. It almost seems that change has been evolutionary, when it should have been more revolutionary.
I see that my boss’s actions and words have perpetuated the attitude of “let’s find a reason to NOT do something” when he wants the members to think, listen and find a way to get the job done. He has been trying desperately to change the thoughts of these few team members and the process he has taken on some of their attitude and I see us going down the wrong path. Therefore, subtly, I have been bringing up our lessons and how they make me think about our situation, hoping to get him thinking more positively and utilize some of the lessons.
For example,” pseudo-transformational leadership refers to leaders who are self-consumed, exploitive, and power oriented with warped moral values” (Northouse, 2013, pg. 187). Even though he does not have a warped moral value system, I feel he is exploitive and does have power issues. Many times our followers have come to me to find out what tasks are next to be completed and I don’t have an idea because he has not let me in on his desires for tasks to be completed himself. More than once have I heard that he lacks in quality communication. Many times, I have heard him say that educating the crew or the members only allows them to criticize the operation and will lead to others telling him what to do.
I have seen him not be specific in explaining what is to be done to our followers only to then tell me what needs to be done after the followers are out on the course doing what they think the boss told them to do. I then have to spend time finding the followers to re-direct them. Therefore, in order to smooth things out in our operating procedure and not buck the system or go over the boss’ head, I have brought up many of the lessons ideas and case studies in hopes that he will gradually see that there is a different way of accomplishing the goals and leadership. In those conversations, I have learned more about my boss and he has learned more about me, which has been a good thing. I now have more day-to-day operating oversight with my crew.
In addition, my boss has seen the way I lead, the way I think and perhaps he is letting me find my way. Be a leader in my industry is equally about accomplishing goals for the company, but also allowing the assistants to find their way while the superintendent’s teach them the ropes. In doing so, an open, communicative relationship forms and together, the superintendent and the assistant accomplish the goals effectively and efficiently. When the time comes for me to move on and take on my own superintendent job, my boss will be able to back me up and give an honest recommendation while still being there for me in the future.
I know it is tough to be an assistant in any industry, you have a desire to move up the ladder quickly, and you think your way is better. However, climbing the ladder requires in equal parts loyalty from the assistant, hard work, being a follower, thinking ahead, on-the-job training, trial and error, and continuing education. It involves being the solidarity to our boss’ and knowing the right people as well as being in the right place at the right time. If the environment at our place of employment is more positive than negative, assistants should stick around and get an education. Moving every year or two just is not going to work out in your favor. This proverb reminds us to persevere, remain calm and things will fall into place, as long as we are staying on track.
References:
Northouse, P.G. (2013). Leadership: Theory & Practice. Los Angeles. Sage Publication
Chinberry Inc. Catalog (2014). Isabella: Reawakening The Spirit, Holiday 2014 Edition. Spring Valley, Ca