What Kind of Colleague are You?

Often we measure ourselves in the work place by objective metrics. What is my title? Where does that title fit on the hierarchy of the corporate org chart? How many people report to me? Who is my superior, my subordinate, my peer? I’d like to suggest that you consider replacing these standards with the consideration of a far more interesting, telling and subjective question. What kind of colleague are you?

First, the reality of the objective questions above. They are a myth. Do you really think that people at work report to you? Do you really think that people consider themselves superior or inferior to you because of your position on an org chart? I learned long ago that leadership comes from inspiration rather than authority. Rather than focusing on rank within an organization, effectiveness I think is better measured by how good of a colleague we are.  For definitional perspective collegiality is working or acting together, willingly for a common purpose or benefit. You’ll note I’ve underlined willingly.

A look at how some of the great enduring religious orders conduct their business is illustrative. The Benedictines, Jesuits, and Franciscans all have similar mechanisms. Their leadership is selected often by consensus of their members. Try that one at a Fortune 100 company. Their leadership rotates so there is little risk of kingdom building. Most importantly, authority is invoked through a moral perspective rather than an org chart. Leadership has a responsibility to make sure that all members are engaged in meaningful work and are supported in that work. The essential ethos is we all have certain God given talents and aptitudes and are called to use them in a meaningful way. A true colleague enables that.

I am not suggesting a socialist order where we pretend that all are the same and should be treated as such. We are all unique and bring different faults and talents to the table A good colleague uses their talent to help, assist, motivate and improve their colleague. I’d much rather have someone say that I am good to work with rather than I am good to work for.  The difference is subtle yet profound. In short I’d rather be respected rather than feared. My guess is so would you.

By Bill Hickey-

©2012

bhickey59@hotmail.com