Abraham Lincoln said that if you want to test a man’s character, give him power. I just had a glimpse of someone who went through such a test. He did not have the nicest of things to do or say but he certainly had the power to do many other things which felt good or made him oblivious to issues and concerns at hand. But he did something else.
My boss and ex-boss and soon to be ex-boss….. wait, I’m not sure he’s my current boss in the first place! Let me provide some perspective – he was my boss when he left. He returned presumably to be my boss but perhaps was beaten to the tape by circumstances that led to the above test. I’ll never know if he ever became my boss again then, but if he did, it will be my shortest-lived relationship.
He had the unenviable task of telling some of his friends they are no longer needed, 2 weeks after returning to a pretty rousing “welcome back”. While the corporation is trying to make and execute all the “right decisions”, he showed a heart. One that shares pains and misgivings. One that cares. One that says more than the letters he handed out. I’ve never seen the emotional side of him and it was unforgettable.
He showed humility to be compassionate in the face of someone’s adversity, real or perceived. And that’s what makes him real. Neil, thanks for all the humour, guidance and leading, and for being the person you can become. While it lasted, it was good.
Shalom,
the quixote
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