Become a leader at work

A few great things have happened on this front. First, I had a stellar mid-year review. I wrote about three pages: fair, but still pretty self-promotional. My manager said she didn’t have to change a word, and told me what a tremendous improvement she’s seen in me in the last year.

Also, I got a Blackberry, and a task management package called To-Do Matrix. I don’t normally like to give out free advertising, but this is the best device, and the best task management software I’ve ever seen. I already feel more productive, and I’ve only been using it for two weeks, and I haven’t even enabled all the features.

Last, I have to admit to a touch of schadenfreude. The woman who is my main competition for the manager position I want, isn’t keeping pace with my improvements. My manager has confided in me that she doesn’t know what the matter is, but she’s glad that she can at least say that I’m performing at the level she expected. She and my director have even tapped me to lead a few small but high profile projects that they would have otherwise managed.

I travelled to Connecticut the other day to train some new employees on our procedures. It was a great success. All 3 employees went out of their way to let their manager know what a great job I did, and that feedback went right back to my Associate Director, while I was right there on the same telecon. Also, the person who is sort of my…competition…was on the call, too.

“In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.”
- Theodore Roosevelt

I’m really focusing on being a leader this week.

It’s exhausting.

This used to read “Become a computer programmer,” but with the economy the way it is, and my job relatively secure, I’m hesitant to change jobs right now.

But one thing I should really pursue, is really taking on the role of leader more thoroughly. Everyone wants me to be a leader – my management, my team – and I try, but I could try harder.

I will try harder. I want to try harder.