Friday 11 February 2011

An open letter to my boss

Dear Boss,

We have had our ups and downs over the past 3 months, but as you move into your final week of managing me, I wanted to take this opportunity to write you a letter to outline a few things I have learnt in our time together.

Thank you for teaching me the power of my own internal strength. There were times when all I wanted to do is break down, but by continuing to push me to the edge you showed me how strong I truly can be when faced with a barrage of abuse.

Thank you for highlighting how valued I am within the wider business. Through your clear and consistent treatment of me I have received words of support and encouragement from people I didn't even knew cared. That has been a great discovery for me, and I now cherish their support.

Thank you for showing me the importance of objectives and performance reviews. Through your continued refusal to issue me with guidance and support you have given me the ability to recognise why objectives are required, and how the lack of them can breed confusion, lack of self esteem and self doubt. I will always ensure that anyone reporting into me has a clear vision for their future and clear expectations.

Thank you for sending me on a road of self discovery. I have learnt that I like to know 'the big picture', I have learnt that I sometimes go off policy/process but that's ok if the decision is considered and well thought out, I've learnt that I'm not ready for a big role just yet but one day I will be able to do it.

I don't know where you're going, or what you'll be doing but I wish you well. Our time has been short, intense and filled with moments of tension. But as I take the time to reflect on it, it will only make me a better HR Advisor, and a better human.

5 comments:

  1. What doesn't kill you eh?! Very well said. I hope your ex boss gets the boss he or she deserves.

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  2. Katie, what an awesome post. I know what it takes to write such things, have done something similar recently. I personally think this is the beginning of a movement of openness, where one by one, we all begin to share our true feelings and experiences.

    You have written this piece with integrity. No one can pick holes in it and neither should they.

    Well done.

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  3. P.S Come to the connectinghr unconference - we need more people like you there!

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  4. Wow! I have had the shittiest day having to deal with my boss/doctor. Had a good cry over it. Feeling angry and frustrated, I wrote a very mean letter to my boss that actually made me feel A LOT happier when finished. I don't intend on them actually reading it. Just needed to deal, to vent. I am really glad I found this because I needed to see some light, some existential humor in the matter. Deflate the rage. Thanks for pointing out the good amidst the chaos. I really hope your enjoying a new position equip with new tools to handle any situation.

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  5. +1 aye, sage counsel

    Well written piece and when are you gonna start blogging again?

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