Losing a Good Boss
He has only been my boss for eight months, but he is already one of my favorites. Unfortunately, I will begin reporting to a new manager in a little less than two weeks (who also happens to be remote). Today I received the following note in the mail from the outgoing boss.
Scott -
This reorganization will likely pose a few challenges. Just remember, you could always be out of gin.
Included in the envelope was a refrigerator magnet from Keep the Faye.
The last time I was at the home office we went out one night for drinks and dinner. Another co-worker and I ordered martinis, while he stuck to beer. Remembering my love of gin months later—taking the time and effort to apply it in a humorous and encouraging way—now that is one good boss.
[...] A few weeks ago I wrote that we are going through a “reorganization” at work. I prefer the term “coup d’etat,” but that is neither here nor there. Having just been in my previous role for seven months, I now have a new job title, a new boss, a new team and very little idea about what I am supposed to be doing. Just yesterday I got an email from one of my peers, whom I have never met. It was basically a “hello, how’ya doin’ buddy?” kind of communication. As I read the email I surprisingly found myself sizing up the competition. The autosignature is what caught my attention (and precipitated this post). [...]