How Dave Got His Groove Back

Dave's life philosophy was Oz is the Yellow Brick Road.  But Dave wasn't living his life creed very well.  As he traveled the Road he continuously looked ahead.  Maybe once he got up around the next bend his ship would be there.  You see, at fifty-one years old, Dave didn't know what he wanted to be when he grew up.

Since 1977 with the exception of one year, Dave has had a manager title at work.  Early on, when his enthusiasm and energy was high, Dave was more busy trying to get work done than to get work done through his people.  The light bulb went off in 1988.  Dave threw himself into the study of business and management.  By 1997 he was ready to mount his steed and lead the troops.  The problem was his immediate boss who was also the company owner.  This gentleman's agenda stymied deployment of the personal development of anyone who worked for him.  Dave had an unbelievably talented and progressive staff.  For them to utilize their talents, he would have to provide cover.  Though rewarding, it was a massive drain on Dave's mind and body.  Eventually he left the company.

From that time on, Dave checked his spirit at the door as he punched the clock.  Personal satisfaction came from sharing knowledge with like-minded people online.  Author David Weinberger captured the essence of Dave's world with one simple sentence, "However much we long for the Web is how much we hate our job."  Dave yearned and longed for the Web all day long! 

Two years ago, Dave hooked on with a company that was different from any other he worked at.  This was an international company with around thirty state-side offices.  What really rocked Dave's world was that no matter what level the people were at, they were just plain nice people.  Perhaps he would be allowed to be a real manager and not one that was forced to strafe management's ignorance from five thousand feet so that his people could find true meaning in their work.

It wasn't meant to be.  Dave encountered tremendous obstacles.  To the point that fellow managers commented, "it has taken managers over twenty years to go through what you have in the last year."  Throw in some health issues and Dave was a beaten dog.  Turnover had run rampant prior to Dave coming on board and continued throughout his first year.  The company's number one salesman was part of this exodus.  Revenue was down and eyeballs lasered on Dave.  Fortunately regional brass deflected any bean counter, counter measures.  They knew that Dave wasn't the problem. 

Throughout this period and due to a recent change in company ownership, an infusion of a fresh, new mindset was taking place.  Part of this mind set called for restructuring.  Seven eighths of Dave's colleagues were elevated into a new position.  The rest, the under performers, which included Dave, were not.  When Dave saw the company org chart he nearly puked.  Brass however, was right.  Suddenly, Dave's groove was getting close.

Over the last year Dave and his staff worked diligently to build a new team.  One crucially key position was of most concern.  It normally takes a person two years to learn this position.  In the mean time others must pick up the slack.  The fact that those attempting to pick up the slack here did not have company experience proved to almost sink the ship.  One other key person gave his notice.  This caught the brass's attention.  They flew into town and assured the gentleman that they would devote the necessary resources to overcome the existing problems.

With this move, Dave drew a line in the sand.  And this is when Dave got his groove back.  He had a staff of phenomenal people.  They cared.  They wanted to learn.  They wanted to grow.  His company committed to providing the necessary resources.  He was not about to let this situation slip into a black hole of oblivion.  He no longer needed to pilot the fighter jet to make things happen.  All he had to do was to draw upon what he already knew.  The years of twenty-hour study weeks, the years of networking, the years of writing about how management and leadership should be, the years of writing business book reviews, the years of exchanging knowledge and information with others, the years of learning from his wife - the most talented manager that he ever knew and the last three years hanging around Rosa Say, the most passionate management coach on the planet along with the Ho'ohana community ...it was all there for him to tap into.

With all of this, Dave caught a break.  His superiors did not have one clue about his background or what he really knows.  They do know that they have a gentleman with integrity and one who truly knows how to work with people.  Dave feels no pressure from them.  The only pressure that he feels is internal.  And it is the most exciting pressure that he's ever felt.

For the first time in Dave's life he has a real purpose at work.  Is Dave really getting his groove back or is the real Dave about to surface and get his groove on? Do you want to hear about Dave's journey forward here?

post note: Towards the end of last summer Dave had reached a new low in regards to leadership and management.  He was so far from seeing himself in these roles, he couldn't even read about the subjects anymore.  From the bottom of his...From the bottom of my heart I would like to apologize to those good people who hold a reverence for the fields of management and leadership.  I trod upon these fields with indifference, like a march through a barnyard.  Most especially to Rosa, who paints upon the management canvasses of others with strokes of brilliant and engaging color.  And also to Kevin Eikenberry.  It was Kevin's book, Remarkable Leadership that at my depths of lowness, dropped from my hands like a hot iron.  I am starting to read Kevin's book again - with vigor!  I will be doing a review in the near future.

Comments

[Rosa Say]

"Do you want to hear about Dave's journey forward here?" Yes, yes, YES!!!

There is no need for an apology Dave, when someone has done nothing other than reveal what their truth happened to be in the moment.

Then, to offer up a taste of equally true self-intention for imua (going forward)? That is quite a gift. Mahalo nui loa.

[Rosenary]

During this journey of self-discovery, Dave has also been behind the scenes cheering me on as I pursue my dream of becoming a published writer.

This man has an amazing inner strength that continues to surprise me, even after 31 years of marriage.

And it is that inner strength that not only keeps ME going, but will also lead him on this journey to a successful, rewarding end.

Now it's my turn to cheer!

[Steve Sherlock]

Dave, nice work. As you realized, it starts with reflection and with the need to use your talents. The inspirations can come from any number of sources and you had some good ones here! I suspect you have "legs" with this momentum now. Keep it up.

[Kevin Eikenberry]

Dave - I want to read about your groove's course here (and anywhere else for that matter). I hope Remarkable Leadership can play a small part in the remarkable lessons and successes that are surely forthcoming.

Kevin Eikenberry

[Joanna Young]

Dave, what a powerful story. I'm glad to be part of the community of learners who have been and will continue to come along for the ride.

All I can say is... I do understand, some of it. I reached the lowest of lows about 5 years ago in relation to management and leadership issues, seeing lies and hypocrisy all round about me, with nothing but platitudes mouthed, and I too have found it hard to tip toe back into reading about these subjects from our friends without reaching for that automatic switch that tells me to shout, scream, puke, run away, not listen...

I still find it hard to write about those times, those low points, because the shadows are not entirely gone. So I applaud you for having the courage to do so here.

Joanna

[Debra Estep]

You have to leave the city of your comfort
and go into the wilderness of your intuition.
What you'll discover will be wonderful.
What you'll discover is yourself.

~ Alan Alda ~

I'm in the row with Rosie, CHEERING YOU ON !!!

xo xo
Debs

[Terry Starbucker]

Oh yes Dave, I want to hear more of this story. I've been in that place too. I'm so glad you have found your purpose and can practice what's in your heart (and head). It does feel good. Keep writing about it. All the best,

Terry

[dave]

Thanks Rosa! But I have so much respect for what you hold important, that I felt as if I did trample it underfoot.

To all, Rosemary is my wife and now that she's made my face red I will handle an acknowledgment to her offline :-)

Man! Your are right on Steve...the ACHING need to use my talents.

RL will most definitely play a role in my management adventures Kevin!!

I can feel you've been and are where I've been Joanna!

You know Deb, I've been in the wilderness of my intuition for quite some time. I love it to the nines!

Thanks Terry! I can feel the stories already flowing. The most rewarding thing is that they are coming from a place much deeper inside than recently.

[Chris Brown]

Go Dave Go!!

I'm loving your story. You know your on-line friend are hear cheering you on!

Chris

[dave]

Thanks Chris! I am going through the most exciting change in my professional life.

[Joy]

I haven't been by for a while...so glad I saw this.

I love the story of Dave...an amazing person. And...I love what he might have ahead. I especially love what Rosemary said about your inner strength...something hard to miss when reading your posts. This was a wonderful piece Dave.

[dave]

Hi Joy! I think one takes it for granted how much of one's self actually comes out online. I probably wouldn't classify myself with inner strength, but when it comes to important matters, I'd like to say I will never give up.