CHAPTER 10

Jeff’s Story: Perspective From a Baby Boomer1

“Jeff” received his bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science followed by his next academic achievement, a master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Upon graduation with his advanced degree, he landed a Human Resources position with a corporate regional office. 25 years later, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the entire corporation and its 20,000 employees. Huh?! How did that happen? The answer, in part, is to have a Best Boss like his boss, “Edgar.” When Jeff started his first job, he assumed his career would be in Human Resources. And that would have made him perfectly happy. But everything changed when Edgar became his boss. Jeff and Edgar had a similar Midwestern background which made for an easy, instant connection. Early on in their relationship, Edgar noticed Jeff’s potential well before Jeff noticed it himself. He gave Jeff projects that were beyond the typical boundaries of an HR role and ultimately offered him an operations role assignment outside of the Human Resources department. Moving from HR to such a technical role was a daunting proposition for Jeff; so, before he made his decision, he wanted to talk with some people to get their objective opinion on making such an unconventional move. Among those he spoke with was a consultant who had worked with the organization for many years, and thus understood the culture quite well. The consultant forewarned Jeff that taking this new job would be a big mistake. In fact, he used the term “career derailer” as he told Jeff it would be another example of the organization “chewing up” good talent.

Needless to say, Jeff was a little rattled by these conversations. Edgar, on the other hand, remained undaunted, reassuring him that he had no doubt Jeff would be successful in the role. As with Courtney from our story in Chapter 1, Jeff felt Edgar’s confidence in him was undeserved. However, his unfettered trust and faith bolstered Jeff in a way that inspired him to have confidence in himself. Jeff ultimately accepted the new role, and it was one of the best experiences of his life. He had a new career trajectory all because Edgar had the foresight to see Jeff’s potential and the commitment to help him realize that potential himself.

Jeff worked ten more years for Edgar until his retirement, at which time Jeff was promoted to CEO. And, although the “official” working relationship between Edgar and Jeff had ended, the mentoring continued when the company was acquired by larger corporate entity. Shortly after the acquisition, Jeff was confronted with an unsettling surprise when one of his key leaders, mentees and someone Jeff really cared about on a personal level, resigned suddenly. Jeff remembers being moved to tears when he was informed of this individual’s decision to leave. He made a quick telephone call to inform his wife of the bad news. Following that conversation, Jeff received a call from Edgar. Immediately, a dispirited Jeff shared the news of his mentee’s departure, and after listening quietly, Edgar told him to “fill the box.” Jeff didn’t understand what he meant, so Edgar said it again. Fill the box. Jeff became irritated, telling Edgar he didn’t have time for puzzles.

As it turned out, this small riddle became one of the most important leadership lessons of Jeff’s life. Essentially, Edgar told Jeff that he must focus on the problems he can control. As Edgar put it, “Your mentee has made a decision and is moving on. That’s what you need to do as well. You must focus on the forward problems that you and the organization are facing, not the backward ones that you cannot do anything about.”

But that wasn’t the end of the story. As it turns out, this situation provided Edgar an opportunity to share more wisdom with Jeff. But this time, it was not a lesson for Jeff, the leader, but a lesson for Jeff the person. About a week after the “fill the box” episode, Edgar called Jeff to check in. He told Edgar that he was focused and looking forward again, and that it was all because of him. Edgar’s only was response was admonishment as he asked Jeff whether he had learned anything at all from his years of Edgar’s mentorship and friendship. Jeff was befuddled.

Then, Edgar said, “are you not aware that as soon as your wife hung up with you, she called me? She knew you were suffering and needed some advice. So, if you have anyone to thank, it’s not me; it’s your wife.”

Edgar was a special guy. Was he perfect? Nope. Did he get it right all of the time? Not a chance. Did Jeff argue with him? Absolutely. But Edgar was Jeff’s Best Boss, someone special, and someone who saw his potential, someone that had an immeasurable impact on Jeff’s career and life. Jeff will never forget him. Neither will his wife.

1 Names and organizations in this story were changed to provide anonymity.

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