I’m Only A Cog In The Machine; My Thoughts Don’t Matter
“You Are Not a Cog in the Machine”
Monday morning. You show up for work right on time. The deadlines and projects from last week apparently reproduced on their own over the weekend. It’s early, and the cortex of your brain hasn’t achieved maximum velocity quite yet. Ever feel like you’re just a cog in the mighty machine, fueled by endless venti café Americanos?
Who doesn’t? Despite the position, the paycheck or the portfolio of work, we all wonder from time to time how much our contributions really matter in the grand scheme of our company’s success. When we question our talents or second-guess our capabilities, we look to our immediate manager to help us refocus. But what happens when your manager isn’t there for you in a professionally supportive and encouraging manner?
As difficult as it may be, it might be time for “the conversation.” Your future performance and growth may hinge on your taking the initiative and offering feedback to your manager so that he can take the necessary next steps to meet your development needs. It really shouldn’t be so difficult — after all, he’s been placed in his role to be a leader. It’s his job to improve employee satisfaction and increase your engagement in your work and with the company you both support. He’s been placed at the front lines of advancing your company’s performance management strategy, and you’re there backing him up. When you reinforce him with leadership suggestions that specifically address your individual needs, you’ll collectively contribute to a high-performing force within your organization.
Maybe you are just another cog in the machine — or perhaps you’re the driving axle holding the entire team together. Either way, your bright thoughts and big ideas matter, especially for a business strategy based on innovation. So go ahead — next time you’re ordering that Joe to go, grab one for your manager and strike up a conversation about how he can best lead and encourage you, so you can truly fire on all cylinders.