Dear Leader: Do We Have a Deal?

Dear Leader:

As we begin our journey together, I thought it a good idea to let you know what I would most appreciate from you. I hope you do not think me too bold for speaking so directly and honestly as we get to know each other.

Here it is:

• Respect
• Honesty – Not just in what you tell me, but in the things you might omit, Tell me those too.
• Feedback – Tell me what I do well and the effect I’m having. Let me know when I have a negative effect but don’t see it.
• Clarity
• Trust me to do the things you brought me here to do, and then some
• Know, I mean really know in your heart and mind, I am a rich (not in dollars) human being, with a multidimensional life, and please take that into account
• The freedom to think and contribute in ways that are meaningful to me and add value to the company, our customers and our stake holders.
• Some room to experiment, which means I may make a little mess every now and then, but that’s how I learn.I clean up after myself.
• Time and space to play with others, because that’s another way I learn and come up with really good ideas.

It’s not a long list, but I know it’s not always easy. I will be patient and forgiving, if you are genuinely trying.

What I give

Dear Leader: In return I give you my best self.

That’s it.

Do we have a deal?

Imagine the riches the CEO and manager would receive if each new employee had the chance to write such a letter, and to refresh it every few years. And what if, the CEO and the manager wrote back, on occasion?

Dear Leader:

WOW!

Anne Perschel

When she is not consulting; coaching; reading and writing about leadership; or enjoying her work in other ways; Anne can be found:

Listening to ocean waves receding over stones.
Enjoying the spontaneous expressions of young children who haven’t yet learned to hide their emotions.
Taking in the scent of freesias, lilacs or salt water.
Enjoying the great, or not so great, outdoors and all variations of nature’s gifts.
At the gym.