First, I want to thank all the great people in Maryland at the MPRA Conference last week-the Cowardly Leadership session was standing room only, and despite the technical glitches was a fun session, at least for me. I had a great time and hope to see you all again soon!
Now, for one of the biggest challenges:
Working for a Cowardly Leader
So what do you do?
You work for a Cowardly Leader. He is a political appointee whose biggest trait and talent is saying “yes” to the boss. Not only does he not believe in speaking truth to power, he doesn’t believe in you speaking truth to power, either. In other words, whatever you do, do NOT speak out regarding issues that need addressing. Do NOT recommend anything that is not already the party line. Do NOT research and do your homework, then forward it for review, especially if it is not already accepted as policy.
And finally and most importantly, do NOT confuse them with the facts. Their minds are already made up.
OR- you work for an entrenched bureaucrat. Someone who is in his job because he knows the right people, and because he has always done just enough to remain through political changes. As people move on, he is the constant, so he gets promoted. The path of least resistance. And he provides little resistance.
I’ve worked for one of each. I’m not sure if that’s fortunate or unfortunate. Some of you have worked for more, and if you’re lucky, have worked for fewer.
People work for people
No matter the job, be a professional and do it as well as you can…
The great majority of people accept a new job, a new position, based on the position. You received a promotion. You got a pay increase. Maybe the job offers a more attractive quality of life. Most likely it offers greater responsibility and prestige. You are excited and look forward to the challenge.
Then, after a few days, you are reminded of an absolute: As much as you may like the job and responsibility and potential of doing great things, you work for people. Most of the time, they are good. Sometimes they are great. And if you’re unlucky, they are cowardly. Cowardly leaders brag about knowledge they don’t know. They outline accomplishments they haven’t done. They take credit they haven’t earned and criticize when it’s not deserved.
Working for and reporting to a Cowardly Leader is one of the most difficult things you will do as a professional. And therein lies what little recommendation I have- be a professional. When he walks away from a responsibility, you take it. You say, “I’ve got this” whenever he says “you take this.” When he refuses to be honest with the City Council or Board, you speak truth to power- politely, professionally, but honestly. When his hubris and bravado kick in, and they most definitely will kick in, you practice quiet, humble, confidence. There is a saying about football players who score a lot of touchdowns, and hand the ball back to the ref-“they act like they’ve been there before.” You’re smart, qualified, intelligent and capable and credible. You wouldn’t have been hired for the job you have if you weren’t. Unless you’re a Cowardly Leader too!
Smile and hand the ball back to the ref after you score your next touchdown.
Why do that? Because that Cowardly Leader you work for has a boss too. And because not everyone up the chain of command is a Cowardly Leader.
And because…with no proof or anything to go on, but because I just have to believe this: Karma is a bitch.
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