A Few Good Men

In another year's time I would have completed two decades of existence in the corporate jungle. And over these years, having hopped around significantly, change being the law of nature; I have been bossed around in varied ways and means.
Bosses are by their very nature, animals to be feared, deferred to and suitably managed, or so we have been told, and I have had my share of "hari sadu" like experiences. There was this vice president, who was toutedly a venerable industry figure, or so everybody around me believed. I tried to understand his trip in life, especially since my team member (who was in the system much before I came in) cosied upto him endlessly. I never could get a handle on the vp's crazily helical monologues, and it was only a matter of time that I was contemplating exit. (It is another matter that he soon got shunted out; possibly, his bosses could not stand him no more.) And then there was this general manager, who sent me on a trip to a huge prospect, under the guise of "a great opportunity to excel and move up". Little did I know at that time, that he was preparing grounds for a suitable excuse for the imminent loss. Such is the nature of bosses!
Be as it may, life tends to shower all kinds of experiences, good and bad. During the darkest hours of my career, I was blessed with a mentor, who is in several ways responsible for what I am today. A large measure of my achievements and where I stand now, I credit to him. He was always impeccably dressed, extremely witty and more importantly, very insightful. He could read my thoughts with ease and labored to tailor them for the organization and my benefit. "You have good ideas but also the tendency to become a captive of your own ideas", so he told me. In his own way, he had taught me the need to listen to others. Being a good human being is foremost to all endeavors, was exemplified by this honorable gentleman. During my time with him, he unearthed some of my hidden skills as well, which today are very handy. I don't think I can ever afford to forget him.
And then there was this great man, entrusted with a huge team (of which I was a part), who went about his business with great elan, always smiling. As you would know, life in the corporate milieu, can get extremely stressful. Not to him. He would always exude happiness, fairness and a calm demeanor to his team, de-stressing them nonchalantly. For once, I felt engaged, involved and respected. I learnt the great art of positive energy (much before the "Secret" was released), importance of work-life balance, and an inclusive style of management, from him.
What appears as my original style of management to my team members today, is in reality, just a poor xerox of what I have picked up from a few good men. These good samaritans, perhaps saw great value and fulfilment, in passing on pearls of wisdom to the have-nots. I hope I can do the same to a few more!