Manager story: Contrasting reactions from managers - 05/24

Early in my career, I spent three years under Manager A. His response to even minor client deliverable errors was intense. He'd call long, dramatic 1:1s, making it feel like the world was ending. Needless to say, these calls left me feeling depressed and discouraged. Unfortunately, I began to mirror his reaction to mistakes.

Then, a shift. I was assigned to Manager B. When a similar client delivery error occurred, I braced myself for the expected explosion. However, Manager B's approach was refreshingly different. He listened calmly to the issue, inquired about our solution, and discussed preventative measures. That's it! This calm and constructive approach was incredibly empowering. It motivated me to fix the error and develop a process to avoid future occurrences.

The fast-paced consulting world means occasional mistakes. What truly matters is how leaders react and guide their teams. Manager B's approach fostered a supportive environment. This is the type of leadership that truly inspires growth and excellence.

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