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WORKPLACE DYNAMICS
The Hidden Leadership Power in Saying, ‘I’m Sorry That Happened’
When a new director made an unexpected yet simple gesture
We were huddled in the hallway, talking to avoid work since we had all mentally checked out for the day anyway. The enthusiasm and excitement of the newly hired director was palpable yet refreshing. The rest of us had been with the organization collectively for half a century.
This guy was coming to work, experiencing everything for the first time, like a baby taking their first wobbly steps.
He had that rare combination of military polish and a “dad of the year” vibe. A combo that made you wonder if he’d ever been tired a day in his life. I swear he never sat still, and even while he stood at his desk working there was an undeniable energy to him.
He was a family man with three young kids. As a retired military vet, he was surprisingly younger than you’d expect. Him and his admin bonded over swapping baby war stories like two veterans returning from a different kind of battlefield.
She explained that the chaos doesn’t actually end when kids grow up. It evolves into different and generally more expensive challenges. He turned to me, clearly trying to make sure I didn’t feel left out…
