Manager Want a Cookie?

“I just need a cookie once in a while.” “Cookie? Speak English man! I don’t follow what you are saying” responded the brusk, in your face owner to his key manager. Surprisingly reflecting confidence to speak his mind the key manager responded, “I just need you to tell me I’m doing a good job, you like what I am doing, you appreciate me; something affirming and encouraging.” “Good God man, this isn’t kindergarten! After patting you on the head do I need to burp you too,” responded the owner sarcastically. “If you need a scoutmaster you are at the wrong place. You perform big, I pay you big. The average dude would die for your job. That’s our relationship and if you need more from me such as hanging out with your wife and kids, I am just sorry but I don’t have time for that touchy feely crap. Just do your job, make your big bucks and don’t expect any more from me.” The room went silent as the visibly deflated key manager just stared at the owner with astonishment. After a few moments he turned his eyes to me with an expression of futility. I had nothing to offer the young man who had been struggling with continuing in what appeared to be a great job making fabulous money. I had been mentoring him for several years as he tried to reconcile working for my client who was Mr. “don’t wine and dine me, bottom line me.” As an extraordinary manager and leader the young man was at the top of his game. He was empowered to be “da man” and run the business without any interference from the owner as long as he delivered the profits that had become routine and uninspiring to an idealistic young man looking for more than a job than just the big check. “Boss you have just made my day. I read you loud and clear. It’s about the money. I get it, I get it,” he emphasized. Just as I was thinking the conversation was concluding a chill ran up my back as I recognized a very never before seen wetness growing around the young man’s humble eyes. As he gathered himself to continue speaking I could tell something was up. “The pity is you don’t get it and I am not average. The pity is you don’t understand that the emotional drain required to motivate and lead an organization that produces like this business, deal with the vendors and deal with the customers. For me to do this, I need more than money. I also need a cookie. And if you don’t have the interest, the time or the humility to give a beggar a cookie, you can stick your money where the sun doesn’t shine. And then with a big smile he finished is statement with, “and no doubt this is the best day of the nest of my life.” The manager purposefully stood up, walked over to his desk and began gathering his belongings as the astonishment transferred to the owner. When the owner recognized what might be happening he began to nervously wave his hand at him saying repeatedly, “now come back over here and sit down. We can work this out.” However, the young man was undaunted by the pitiful 70 year old’s pleading. Just before stepping out the door he said, thank you for the opportunities you have provided. You are right money is important to us non average managers but money is not the whole package. I am going to find me another job that includes and occasional cookie. A manager has got to have an occasional cookie.