I just finished reading Ken Hanley’s article “Good leaders, don’t need carrots” (Feb 8, page17)and that was just about the most motivational thing I could read right now.
I was recently laid off from a position due to office politics, and lack of leadership. Here in Saskatoon, Sask., the IT industry is in a real slump and so this was of course distressing. But I was always questioning why I had been let go, what it was. Looking back I saw that the only motivation we had as developers was monthly bonuses.
That was it. I felt that I was stagnating as a developer and that my skills were not being utilized effectively nor efficiently. When I had made an attempt to voice concerns that something should be altered, combined with a management shift, I lost my position and was described as a s*** disturber.
Not only was my pride hurt but my career had a black spot on it. But I realized that the philosophy they were running under was one where it was all carrot driven. And should you want more leadership in place of money, you are not following their philosophy.
Ken’s article has shown me that there is hope for leaders out there. We are IT people – we make great money as it is, we love our work but we need someone to show us leadership – not manage us.
I have an interview in two hours for another position here in the city and reading that column has given me a real boost because now I understand that what I had at my last company is not necessarily where I have to be tomorrow.
Thank you again, Ken -I await to read more articles from you.
Justin Seitz, web developer
Saskatoon, Sask.
