**
On
my desk sits a deck of daily inspirational cards a friend and colleague gave me
for Christmas a few years ago. I enjoy using them over and over because there
are enough to fill a year or so, which means they are “fresh” again by the time
their next turn comes up. Some really resonate, and I say a silent “Yep! That’s
for sure!” when I read them. Others are thought provoking, at the very least.
In the past 8 ½ months I have come to live and breathe the truthfulness of a
handful of these quotes as well as others I see all over social media. I recently posted about my job in Mississippi. Here are some further thoughts and
explanation.
I’d
like to say I listen to my gut, but sometimes it isn’t as clear in its messages
as I would like. I did come to some conclusions about the job:
1. I don’t
think there was a single other applicant;
2. The judge
runs such a tight court that everyone walks around on tiptoes and is terrified
of facing her disappointment;
3. Apparently,
micromanagement IS a thing, and there is no known depth to which it will go;
4. This was
NOT Twin, Falls, Idaho, nor was this Judge Stoker; and
5. Even the
most unfortunate weather and other details can be outweighed by job
satisfaction. Conversely, lack of job satisfaction removes one’s ability to
make the best of the weather and details that make life a little harder.
There
were a few things that were bright spots:
1. I loved
the ward;
2. I loved
the co-workers in the district (and it turns out I had read them correctly!);
3. I made
some good friends;
4. I rarely
had to go to court, so I had a LOT of free time; and
5. Jangle –
THAT is a story, I promise you!
After
deciding on Iowa and choosing a specific location, our packing and preparations
began in earnest. It was an anxious few weeks as we looked for a new home that
would be within our price range as well as welcome us with our menagerie of
pets. We finally found a home we like in a neighborhood we love. There are some
logistics still needing to be worked out with our pets and so forth, but we are
happy.
I often
see memes or inspirational quotes that speak about how managers can most
effectively supervise others and which attributes of a good manager are the
most important. I have a testimony of their truthfulness! Treat your
subordinates (heck ,treat everyone!) as if you appreciate them and value their
efforts. They will likely respond with greater enthusiasm for their work and
appreciation for you!
In the past 2 weeks I have had a steady stream of people coming
into my office, introducing themselves and offering assistance to help me learn
my new job. I’m talking everyone from my reporter colleagues, court assistants,
and administrative personnel to each of the judges in the building. And they
mean it. I AM welcome here. Everyone is SO nice. My job IS important to them.
And, most important, quoting from a story I just heard about Camilla Eyring
Kimball, I believe they understand they should, "never suppress a generous thought [or action.]"
Because I
have been sincerely welcomed, and the offers of help have included leading me
through the steps to teach me the tasks that will be necessary for me to
understand, the hook has been set, and I don’t ever want to leave. I want to be
better at my job than I have ever been. Treat your employees with appreciation
and give them the understanding by your actions that you value them, and they
will bend over backwards to do their work. Who wouldn’t be happy in that kind
of environment?
*It was
96 degrees (with heat index) when we left Mississippi. We arrived in Iowa a day
and a half later, and it was about 50 degrees. Yesterday it snowed!
**
February 2010 in Fredericksburg, Virginia! Iowa isn't here yet :D
