Why is it that we believe everyone should have to go through the same school of hard knocks that we've suffered through? We see this in the field of medicine where young interns are subject to the same stresses their mentors have gone through just because it's viewed as the right of passage. We also see this in management, where people of all ages are dropped into their chairs and expected to know exactly what to do by osmosis. I'm here to tell you that the right of passage is wrong.
In this day and age there is no reason employers cannot provide training and support for their newly minted managers nor is there a good reason entrepreneurs cannot increase their leadership skills. There are enough options out there to satisfy everyone's needs and budgets. Yet, we continue to put people through this right of passage. Some make it and many don't.
As many of you know, my book, Suddenly in Charge! Managing Up, Managing Down, Succeeding All Around will be published in January of 2011. For many, that seems like a long ways off. I've recently started a linked in group called Suddenly in Charge with the hope that we can begin the discussion now, rather than continuing down this ridiculous road that we seem to be on. I invite you to join us in the discussions that will be taking place and to ask questions in a safe haven. Please re-post this, tweet this and share it with your friends on Facebook so that we can get the word out.
Here's to heading in a new direction that will help you avoid the bumps in the road that others before you have experienced.
Roberta
