On what I remember was one of the most frustrating days I have ever had with a boss in my career, my wife had the gall to say, “Wait three months and one of you will be hired (into another role), fired, promoted, or demoted.” It was her way of giving me a lesson in patience. I had come home after another bad day with my boss. For many reasons, including differences in management styles, personalities, and personal goals, I just didn’t get along with this particular boss. The thought had seriously crossed my mind to leave the company.
As I had found through my research with employee retention, most people choose to leave their manager rather than leaving the company. My wife was right. I needed to hang in there and things would change. Things did happen quickly. My hated boss was ‘double’ promoted to a different position. I didn’t even think it was possible, but it happened. I could not have been happier for myself and for the fact that the person moved on. The new person who came in gave me a clean slate. He listened to my ideas and gave me opportunities to drive the business and grow.
We all know that promotions in companies do not always come quickly or easily. The message is not to sit around and wait for something to happen. Opportunities are few and far between before someone is tapped on the shoulder. The message of “wait three months” is also a call to action to build the relationship, even if it is damaged. Some of my most constructive conversations have come when I have directly said to someone, “I think we got off to a rough beginning. Do you mind if we start over,” or “I think there is some misunderstanding between us.” By making the first move in reaching out to smooth over a rough relationship, I have found that many people are receptive to at least listening. Many times, we had a good laugh together over the original situation as time went on.
The “three month” concept is a good reminder that time is always ticking forward and can work in your favor. Businesses are always changing and this concept shows that you can be part of the change. By exhibiting patience with a level head, and taking action to strengthen bonds and relationships, you will move forward to success in your overall career beyond those three months.
Thomas B. Dowd III’s books available in softcover, eBook, and audiobook (From Fear to Success only):
- Now What? The Ultimate Graduation Gift for Professional Success
- Time Management Manifesto: Expert Strategies to Create an Effective Work/Life Balance
- Displacement Day: When My Job was Looking for a Job…A Reference Guide to Finding Work
- The Transformation of a Doubting Thomas: Growing from a Cynic to a Professional in the Corporate World
- From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide received the Gold Medal at the 2013 Axiom Business Book Awards in Business Reference
- The Unofficial Guide to Fatherhood
See “Products” for details on www.transformationtom.com. Book, eBook, and audiobook (From Fear to Success only) purchase options are also available on Amazon- Please click the link to be re-directed: Amazon.com