As I reflect on what I’m grateful for over the past year, there is one person who stands out to me: my boss, Jagannath Bhashyam (I like to call him Jags). Last year right around this time, I graduated from my college and chose to work (Thanks to my parents for respecting my choice). It’s not all rainbows and unicorns, but it is striking to me how much more fulfilled I am now. Truth be told, a lot of that has to do with my boss who loves trains and google maps (which is of substantial interest to me as well).
I won’t mention specifics, but as we talk I realize how important it is for people early in their careers to have a great boss.
During the first few years of your working life you have much to learn:
· How do I get things done?
· Should I mimic or copy behaviours of others?
· How hard should I work?
· Should I speak up in meetings?
· Even something as important as... What should I wear?
Early in my career this was all very stressful. Of course I wanted to succeed - but I wasn’t sure how. My advice is to be yourself (that’s what I did). But in the meantime, it often comes down to having a great boss.
To be honest, I’m not the easiest girl to manage (People call DRB which says Dhivya “Rebel” Bharathy). I act on my instincts 90% of the time, and that translates to obsessive and crazy swings of both innovative ideas and moods. But he manages. Here’s one of the things I love most about the way he manages me: He pretty much leaves me alone. He knows I’m incredibly driven and he lets me do what he wants me to do. He knows I’ll make his projects my projects and do my best.
1. He rarely gave criticism but always helped.
His philosophy was to give great advice, help us succeed, and always work as a team. I looked up to him and always "copied" what he did to make myself better. The few times he gave me specific advice, I really listened.
2. He took us with him.
He was the type of manager who would always take someone junior with him on the big proposal call. He drove a Wagon R (he had it for 8 years now and it looks just as new as it could be) and he would drop me at home, when there are extended work hours
3. He took care of us.
Jags was the kind of person who always worried if someone wasn't in the office or had a problem with the proposals. He wasn't interested in our personal lives that much, but he sure cared if we had any problems.
4. He was fun.
Jags really was a fun-loving person, and even though he intimated almost everyone, he always told a joke at just the right time. He knew that even though we had a huge quota and a million problems to solve every day, it was all part of the game.
5. He went home on time, usually.
Believe it or not, in those days we worked incredibly hard but we rarely stayed in the office past 10. We had an enormous job but we got it done in 50-55 or so hours a week. It set the tempo that we were all expected to get stuff done without staying all night.
6. He’s the best damn networker I’ve ever seen.
The guy’s got connections. He’s got connections upon connections. Why? Because he works at it. It’s one of the reasons I have tremendous respect for him. This is important beyond just personal admiration. Why? Because it’s what will make our company thrive.
If you can find a "Jags" early in your career, you're very lucky. Do whatever you can to find this kind of manager early in your career.
I also know he’s not the only good boss out there. There are lots of helpful, caring, loyal, devoted, funny, supportive, skilled, classy managers. Maybe you work for one. Maybe you’re one of them. If you're a manager, remember you can "be Jags" Consider it an awesome responsibility. You could possibly impact someone for the rest of their life. So to all the great bosses out there, just in case you don’t get a note like this one, I’d like to say a big fat thank you.
Since he is retiring from job I dedicate this note to him cos he is not only a great leader but a man to be remembered.
I won’t mention specifics, but as we talk I realize how important it is for people early in their careers to have a great boss.
During the first few years of your working life you have much to learn:
· How do I get things done?
· Should I mimic or copy behaviours of others?
· How hard should I work?
· Should I speak up in meetings?
· Even something as important as... What should I wear?
Early in my career this was all very stressful. Of course I wanted to succeed - but I wasn’t sure how. My advice is to be yourself (that’s what I did). But in the meantime, it often comes down to having a great boss.
To be honest, I’m not the easiest girl to manage (People call DRB which says Dhivya “Rebel” Bharathy). I act on my instincts 90% of the time, and that translates to obsessive and crazy swings of both innovative ideas and moods. But he manages. Here’s one of the things I love most about the way he manages me: He pretty much leaves me alone. He knows I’m incredibly driven and he lets me do what he wants me to do. He knows I’ll make his projects my projects and do my best.
1. He rarely gave criticism but always helped.
His philosophy was to give great advice, help us succeed, and always work as a team. I looked up to him and always "copied" what he did to make myself better. The few times he gave me specific advice, I really listened.
2. He took us with him.
He was the type of manager who would always take someone junior with him on the big proposal call. He drove a Wagon R (he had it for 8 years now and it looks just as new as it could be) and he would drop me at home, when there are extended work hours
3. He took care of us.
Jags was the kind of person who always worried if someone wasn't in the office or had a problem with the proposals. He wasn't interested in our personal lives that much, but he sure cared if we had any problems.
4. He was fun.
Jags really was a fun-loving person, and even though he intimated almost everyone, he always told a joke at just the right time. He knew that even though we had a huge quota and a million problems to solve every day, it was all part of the game.
5. He went home on time, usually.
Believe it or not, in those days we worked incredibly hard but we rarely stayed in the office past 10. We had an enormous job but we got it done in 50-55 or so hours a week. It set the tempo that we were all expected to get stuff done without staying all night.
6. He’s the best damn networker I’ve ever seen.
The guy’s got connections. He’s got connections upon connections. Why? Because he works at it. It’s one of the reasons I have tremendous respect for him. This is important beyond just personal admiration. Why? Because it’s what will make our company thrive.
If you can find a "Jags" early in your career, you're very lucky. Do whatever you can to find this kind of manager early in your career.
I also know he’s not the only good boss out there. There are lots of helpful, caring, loyal, devoted, funny, supportive, skilled, classy managers. Maybe you work for one. Maybe you’re one of them. If you're a manager, remember you can "be Jags" Consider it an awesome responsibility. You could possibly impact someone for the rest of their life. So to all the great bosses out there, just in case you don’t get a note like this one, I’d like to say a big fat thank you.
Since he is retiring from job I dedicate this note to him cos he is not only a great leader but a man to be remembered.
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