Are you the Lord of the Manor — or do you work for the Lord of the Manor?
This idea popped into my head as I was sitting on a beautiful veranda in Carnernos, one of my favorite wine regions in California. It was lovely — sunshine, gentle breeze, fine wine, good company. Life was perfect.
As I looked out over the vineyards I saw workers in the distance. I imagined myself as Lord of the Manor, looking out over my domain, the land to which I was entitled . . . looking out at the workers who had the pleasure of toiling on my land, also enjoying the breeze and the sunshine and the wonderful experience of the vineyard. Oh, what a wonderful and benevolent Lord I was, not only allowing these people to share the experience, but in recognition of their efforts, I was sharing my bounties with them as well.
In truth, the scene wasn’t quite as idyllic. The workers were sweating, and their hands were dry, cracked and bleeding. Bugs were biting them, their backs hurt, and the work was hard and exhausting. I wasn’t the Lord of the Manor, nor was I entitled to this land. The people working in the vineyard didn’t have the luxury of enjoying the breeze or the sunshine. The idea I’d had of a perfect life was only that, an idea.
And yet, there was a truth in that idea. I realized that my fantasy mimics the perspective of some company owners and bosses in modern organizations. The illusion that your perspective, pleasures, and bounties are shared by all within your domain may be just that, an illusion.
If you're a "Lord of the Manor," get a grip and realize what your fantasy is doing to your loyal associates day in and day out. Can you change? And by changing, what can you improve?
If you're working for a "Lord of the Manor," ask yourself, "Is this the kind of employer-employee relationship I really want?" You don't have to remain in servitude. You deserve better.
“We treat our people like royalty. If you honor and serve the people who work for you, they will honor and serve you.” – Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics