"If I am elected President..."

"If I were the boss I would have done it differently."  

Have you ever said that or heard one of your peers say something like that?  It may not have been about something that made you mad, but you made the comment to someone, probably a peer, that you would do make different decisions if you were in charge.  I personally have a list of all the things I would do differently if I was elected President. (Even though I have no intention of ever applying for the hardest job in the world.)

 Or maybe you said about your boss (or the President), "They have forgotten what it is like to do what we do."

I first want to acknowledge that I think this can be a good thing.  You don't have to second guess your boss all the time but if you are wanting to move beyond your current position it is good practice to put yourself in their position and reflectively think about how you would handle certain situations.  This will help you remember for when you get there.  It is not good to tell everyone how your boss is wrong and how your ways are better.  Bad idea.

However, if you say to your peers that you would do things differently if and when you got a promotion and you actually get that promotion, you're going to look silly if you don't do things differently.

The reality is none of us know what we will do or how we will respond if we aren't actually in that position.  We can think and analyze and critique all we want but until we are actually THE person that has to make that decision, its different.

I originally intended to write this post to vent for a particular situation at work.  However, as I'm writing I'm reminded about a former post about DECISIONS.  That being said, when you do get that promotion and have the opportunity to make different decisions here are a few things to think about.

1.  Remember what it was like.  Whether you have been in this new position for a few months, a few years, or a few decades, find ways to remember what it was like to be in your previous position.  As a principal I have to remember what it was like to be a teacher, coach, and student.  As a manager you have to remember what it was like to be a assistant manager, crew chief, cashier, stocker, holiday help, etc.  As the top of the totem pole, you have to remember what it was like to be on the bottom and everywhere in between.

2.  Talk to the people it affects most.  As the leader a lot of your decisions directly affect others more than it affects you.  Talk to the people that your decision will impact most.  It would be best to ask them questions before and give them a heads up after. When appropriate provide them with strategies and resources to assist them in your decision.

3.  Be willing to take and own the criticism.  All decisions receive criticism.  Some fair but probably most of it is unfair.  Criticism happens for two reasons.  1.  Critics disagree.  2. Critics don't understand.  Sometimes you can explain your reasoning and you will have to agree to disagree.  Other times you may be able to explain yourself and help others better understand.  Either way, you made the decision so be prepared and willing to take the heat.

Until then, I'll pray for my boss and you pray for yours.  We may not know how stressful it is to be in their shoes.  Join me in praying for President Obama as he is the leader of our country.


What will you do when you become the boss?  How would you have written this post differently?