how can I be a extra gracious senior chief?
It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” query. A reader writes:
I used to be lately attending a departmental assembly after I realized that — by means of a mix of regular promotions, organizational shakeups, and senior colleagues leaving over time — I’ve by some means develop into the #3 ranked particular person within the division, each by way of title and tenure. This was a shock to me, as a result of I nonetheless really feel like a junior staffer on the within, regardless that my position and obligations have grown considerably in the previous couple of years. (Imposter syndrome?)
Through the lunch break, I observed the VP hanging towards the again of the road so that everybody else may serve themselves first. I spotted she did this as a result of the optics of the VP serving herself earlier than everybody else would’ve been unhealthy. This acquired me eager about what different social niceties leaders or executives observe that I by no means observed, and whether or not I ought to begin doing the identical factor now that I could possibly be thought of one of many senior leaders in my division.
I really feel like I by no means acquired the memo on how you can behave like a frontrunner. Like, perhaps I shouldn’t stuff my purse stuffed with cookies from the break room anymore, as a result of whereas that was wonderful after I was a junior staffer, perhaps it appears unhealthy for a senior chief? (The cookies was for me, however now they’re for my children.) I fear that this lack {of professional} polish will maintain me again. Can your readers share ideas for behaving like a gracious chief, or issues they’ve noticed leaders doing that makes them good leaders? Alternatively, tips about what NOT to do if I don’t wish to appear like a complete prat can be appreciated as effectively.
I really like this query. Readers?