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.