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Have You Ever Had a Boss You’d Call Friend - Burning Bridges follow this blog post

posted by on Aug. 31, 2009

I'm sure you've heard the a saying, "The grass isn't always greener". Does this apply to you when it comes to your career? How many times have you left a company thinking it was the right thing to do?

Maybe you left for:

- more money
- loftier title
- closer to home
- more flexibility
- better people

The problem is once you get to the new company you realize they have their own warts that you didn't see during the interview process. This blog is for you.

I started recruiting 14 years ago for a British based recruiting firm. I joined with absolutely no experience or technical training but I did (and still do) have a love for technology. I describe myself as a geek who can't code; I used technical recruiting as a way to stay informed about all of the cool companies and the things they were working on. From these humble beginnings, I thought I had reached the pinnacle - working for the largest executive search firm in the world; recruiting Senior VP's, Presidents and CEO's for top companies - until I was laid off. I've been told that I have the kind of personality that attracts people. There's something about my un-assuming style and demeanor that people can appreciate. I was brought up to treat people fair but to always speak my mind (and let you know where you and I stand) and I guess people can appreciate this. This is the way I've approached not only my recruiting business and careerunleashed.com but also my personal life - the end result, I've been hired by the same employer, the firm that I started my recruiting career three times. Each time I've left, "it's been for a better opportunity" or so I thought. Each time I've gone back, I've been in a different role and made it a point to not only add value but to exceed expectations. I don't know if I'll end my career there but I do know that I consider the President a mentor, a great person and most importantly a friend.

How many of you have been lucky enough to have a similar experience? I'm not talking about someone that will serve as a reference or who will say good things about you. This is more than that - a genuine friendship built on respect. With all of the bad news being reported and discussed, let's take a moment to celebrate the good in our business lives. I think we can all benefit from a moment of cheer.

http://www.careerunleashed.com/wordpress/index.php?p=708

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6 comments

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  • 1 point 2 months ago

    Very insightful post! Enjoyed this read.

  • 1 point 2 months ago

    Thanks Melissa. So come on - I know you had a have a boss whose praises you'd like to sing...

  • 1 point 2 months ago

    Robert,

    I think you've nailed it - "Friends" are easy to come by when things are going well but true friends are there when the going is tough or when having to deal with situations that are out of their comfort zone.

    Thanks

  • 1 point 2 months ago

    Sometimes we believe our friends are true until we face the difficult decision of ending the employer-employee relationship.  That experience often sheds more light on the relationship, exposing those friends who are true and those who are not.

    I was lucky enough to have one individual involved in both of my exits who was enthusiastic and encouraging.  That individual remains a good friend to this day. The others involved?  I thought they were true, personal friends but found otherwise when I broke the news I was leaving.

  • 0 points 2 months ago

    I'm one of those techie "geeks" who is hard to get to know on the surface and a bit of a wall flower, but is a giving friend to those I trust in my "inner circle".

    In my situation, I have had more bosses who wanted to be friends during the working relationship and wouldn't acknowledge my existance after the relationship was over regardless of the reason why it ended. Unfortunately for them, they missed an opportunity to be that mentor and friend. I can think of only 2 people who fit into the "friend and boss" category. One left the organization for his own greener pastures at one company, and the other moved with the company headquarters after the final round of lay-offs at another company. I would count them as friends and we keep in contact from time to time.

    I think the biggest problem is that managers don't know how to communicate with former subordinates.

    Fortunately, I'm in a position where it is beneficial to be less chummy with management.

  • -1 points 2 months ago

    Duane,

    A very unique situation, indeed, but I'm glad to say that I've been fortunate enough to find a friend in a previous boss!!!  In fact, the entire team that I worked along with all stay in touch to this day, and meet on a fairly regular basis for dinner to keep abreast with each other.

    Outside of this one manager, I have yet to find a manager that I would trust enough at work, to share my life with after 4pm...but I'm an optimistic at heart, and who knows what the current/future manager relationship may bring!!!