By Daniel L Rappaport
In my many years of running a company, I have always thought it best to follow the golden rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. If you are an overbearing boss, who wants to nitpick, and look over your employee’s shoulder at every turn, you will succeed in inspiring hatred and resentment. Your employee may not show it but, guaranteed, they are feeling it.
Getting up and going to a job is difficult enough as it is. Please don’t make it any more difficult by having an attitude of this being “your company”, so that you can do whatever it is that you please.
If you are a manager of any kind, it might be best to shed whatever is chipping away at your shoulder. You will get rid of the pest, and you will feel much, much better.
A prime example is how I work with an artist of mine. Because her portfolio was extremely strong to begin with, I saw that she has an incredible imagination. So much so, I trusted her to do what she does best, and, for the most part, get out of her hair. She really enjoys the process of illustration, and also helping people out. I simply gave her a copy of my book, and then asked for some sketches. It wasn’t anything too much in the beginning. It never is. She surprised me by creating some beautiful pieces, and providing enough information to where I could somewhat imagine what the final product might look like.
In terms of timeline, we agreed on something that was equitable for the both of us, and moved forward. If you hire great people, you won’t have to dwell, and nitpick over silly details.
After I either approved, or request enhancements and updates to the artwork, we again agreed on a delivery time. The artwork is incredibly imaginative, and absolutely works with the subject matter.
It totally helped that she is not really attached to any of the work, and can accept when I request changes. If you provide a solid working foundation in the beginnings of a project, you have something to build upon for the future.
I have found that if you treat the other person like maybe one day they might hire you, this works to everyone’s advantage. Why? Because you never know if that might happen!
If a relationship isn’t working out within the first week or two, it’s okay to professionally end it. In the long run, it will be better for them, you, and perhaps most importantly, the project.
So, next time you are looking over a stack or résumés or pouring over portfolios, after feeling all of the fine details out, go with your gut. It’s 99.9% of the time correct!
