Big Boss: Leadership from a Standpoint of a Subordinate

 

Former Dubai Duty Free EVC Mr Colm McLoughlin (1943-2024)

This is partly a tribute to my parents’ boss who passed away recently. Why to a person who I don't know personally and have not worked for at all? It’s in seeing my parents mourn for him – their boss even before I was born until they all retired - that he meant more than just their employer to them. We only met a few times briefly and I barely remember how he looked like, nor I can say that he was part of any pivotal point in my career. What he was though, was the person who gave my parents the means to provide for us. He was not the boss that interviewed and hired me, but without him, those opportunities may not be even available for me. Without him, my parents won’t be able to send us to school and we wouldn’t be able to have better chances to progress. He was an instrument, an important part of my family’s life.

The other part of this blog, I like to contemplate on my professional relationships with my past bosses*. Would I grieve in the same way if (knock on wood) they passed away? Or if the other way around, would they even remember me? How their leadership affected the way I am today. Thinking about leadership skills can sometimes feel inappropriate as I myself do not possess these qualities so looking for it in other people feels wrong. But then that also might be just an imposter syndrome. It is fine to have standards or to look for qualities and values in your boss that align with yours the same way companies screen you when you apply. Hence, I thought of describing some of them according to their characteristic that stuck with me most – the ones that I'd  like to think have helped shape me.

It is fine to have standards or to look for qualities and values in your boss that align with yours the same way companies screen you when you apply.

My Traditional Boss. The one that you'd have to address as ma'am or sir not because he/she demands it but because they've earned it. One who has been around  before and during a system and the technology in the industry is being developed, and probably was included in developing the system. Not the one that reaches out to you like these cool modern-day bosses that gives you a little pep talk about life, but one that demonstrates the grim and harsh truth about the dangerous road and the treacherous beings you'll encounter in this so called life. Not my favorite way to learn and grow (personally, I think it's inefficient), but undeniably worked in developing resilience and a real desire to improve your craft. I learned that to effectively ward off office bullies is to be better in your job. It's something they cannot steal or deny. They wouldn't like to linger in your presence as it will eat them inside.

My Modern-day Boss. This one, obviously is more modern. Someone easier to approach and consult with. Not someone I have to jibe with on a personal level, but is nevertheless professional to work with. You'll notice how she approaches each staff differently - making each one effective in the job; recognizing everyone's talents and flaws, working around it to make everyone effective as a team; is well-read and updated in the leadership trends.

My BFF Boss. My traditional boss and l, although we don't hate each other, aren't friends.  We have differences but I respect my traditional boss' competence. My BFF boss on the other hand is something else. BFF boss is someone that makes you look forward going to work. Not someone who promises to make work easier, but someone that makes it simpler. The leader who has your back, trusts you; competent, of course, in her position, therefore makes you confident you can do more and be more than what you are. Someone whom you may disagree sometimes and love more most of the time, like a friend.

Emirates Litfest book launch and signing of "A Life Well Spent"

My EVC Boss. Everyone in my previous company knows what this stands for, the executive vice-chairman. Like my parents’ boss, I have not worked for him closely and he probably doesn't know me, the only difference was he was paramount in the turning point of my career and consequently, in my family's life. No instant promotion or any dramatic encounter with him - just him running the company I worked for the longest impressively well. You feel you are being led by the best, therefore it makes you do your best and be the best.

Someone once saw the watch I'm wearing has my previous company’s logo in it and asked me why I'm wearing it. It has bad memories, he said. I answered: no it's a gift, it's free😊.

They definitely have helped shape me. So, will I be sad if something were to happen to them? Yes, I will be. Will they remember me? There's really no need to. So long as they keep mentoring more people to be better, that's more than enough.

*anyone in direct line of authority, could be a manager or a supervisor.