The Tale of Three Employees
- caseyhanisko
- Mar 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 12
Leading people is challenging — a journey filled with rewarding moments and constant opportunities for growth. Every experience, whether smooth or rocky, becomes a stepping stone in the path of leadership.

The New Manager
Joe cut his nails at his desk at work. I didn’t discover the evidence — a small pile of nails left in his drawer — until after he had left the company. Ewww.
Joe was one of the very first people I managed, and it wasn’t easy. When he got upset, he triggered something in me. I quickly realized his explosive nature and defensiveness reminded me of my father. Managing Joe was not just about him — it was about me, too.
I didn’t do it perfectly, but I tried my best. I muddled through many difficult conversations, often second-guessing myself.
What would I do differently now? I would give him more direct feedback — not avoiding the hard truths — and take the time to understand his journey and where he wanted to go professionally. Perhaps, with more curiosity and empathy, we both would have grown in new ways.
The Manager, Manager
And then there was Dave. He had an idea for a new brochure format — a bold move that could save the company hundreds of thousands of dollars yearly.
By this time, I had a few years of management under my belt. I listened. I gave him space to own the idea and encouraged him to build a business case. Together, we strengthened the concept and presented it to the CEO. It was approved.
A win, right? Yet, something still didn’t feel quite right. Despite the success, Dave seemed to carry a sense of resentment.
Looking back now, I realize I missed something vital. I would have spent more time asking Dave how he wanted to be recognized and celebrated. I also would have encouraged him to keep dreaming, to keep innovating — so that this achievement felt like a stepping stone, not a one-time peak.
The People Leader
Midway through my career, I worked with a rock star — Sarah. She was my Director of Sales, though she hadn't started at the company in that role. Her sharp mind and unstoppable drive quickly earned her a well-deserved promotion.
Sarah and I partnered to expand travel advisor sales and diversify our markets. She questioned the status quo, brought fresh ideas, and pushed boundaries. It was exhilarating — and hard.
As her leader, I had to stay grounded and secure in my own role. Her brilliance wasn’t a reflection of my shortcomings — it was a gift to the company. I had to let her lead, even if it meant watching her stumble a few times.
What would I do now? I would invest in her leadership development. Sarah had the drive and the potential to build and lead, and with the right support, she could have soared even higher.
The Ever-Evolving Journey of Leadership
Every one of these experiences shaped me. Leadership isn’t about mastering a fixed set of skills — it’s about adapting, staying curious, and growing alongside your team. People are complex, and the business landscape shifts constantly. The key is to keep learning, keep listening, and never stop evolving.
Interested in People Leadership?
These are the kinds of real stories and insights we share in the Leading People ProgramTM.
How does self-care and self-awareness impact your leadership?
How can you strengthen your ability to give difficult feedback?
What challenges do others face when leading teams?
How can better meetings foster accountability and improve team dynamics?
Join us, and let’s grow together.
Note: Names changed above to preserve anonymity,
Comments