‘I fear I have made a big mistake moving to a lumbering company that does not value initiative’
Straight-talking, common sense from the front line of management
‘Higher pay and an impressive job title don’t always bring happiness. Find a role that does’
Q I recently moved from a small business to a large enterprise and I’m questioning whether I made the right decision. In my old job, initiative was valued and quick thinking rewarded with great results. Here it is quite the opposite. Even the most minor improvement that I suggest requires me to fill out forms in triplicate, copy in HR and run it past our legal department. What’s your advice for navigating these hurdles and producing results – or should I quit now? A When I visit shops to meet our colleagues, we often chat about the job they had before joining Timpson. Plenty have been security guards or checkout operators but wanted something more challenging. I meet former chefs who loved the job but didn’t like the unsocial hours. I am amazed to meet a number of former teachers, nurses and accountants, who have found happiness cutting keys. When choosing a career, make sure you find a job that you thoroughly enjoy – which usually includes working alongside your sort of people.
I’m not surprised you found it fun working for a small company, which was probably run by its founder who involved a small team in the excitement of growing a new business.
As they get bigger, companies seldom retain the adrenaline and sense of adventure that existed in the early years. When they recruit experienced managers from elsewhere, the character of the organisation changes and the top team develops a more formal system of management control.
Bigger businesses give less freedom to individual colleagues, who become more remote from the chief executive and the top team. In a small business everyone sees the boss nearly every day, but in larger companies some shop floor employees may not even know their name.
You may well have made a big mistake by moving to a company with a controlling culture that is already making you frustrated. Although you hope things will improve, your new job isn’t going to change.
So, instead of trying to find a way to cope in such a structured environment, you should accept the way they work isn’t for you and start looking for the ideal job elsewhere. It’s been a tough lesson, but you now recognise the importance of enjoying your work. Higher pay and an impressive job title don’t always bring happiness.
Your priority is to find a role that makes you get up in the morning with a smile on your face and fills your day with challenging tasks in a cheerful workplace, surrounded by like-minded colleagues who become your friends.
Take your time before submitting applications, and do some research by talking to people who have first-hand experience of the employers on your wish list. Most companies claim to be great places to work, but you are unlikely to learn much from mission statements or the chairman’s annual report. You get nearest to the truth by seeking candid views from customers, suppliers and employees (particularly those on the shop floor), who have experienced the company culture.
At least 25pc of new Timpson colleagues know someone who works for our business, so have a good idea what to expect.
Many workplaces will not be for you. Much of the business world creates rules that leave no leeway for individual initiative. It’s particularly frustrating when those regulations are created to control the weakest 2pc of colleagues, but everyone else has to toe the line and, even worse, complete a report to confirm they have followed the rules.
Everyone needs the good fortune of being surrounded by people who play a critical part in helping them to develop a successful career – in particular, caring parents, inspirational teachers and a grounded but ambitious set of friends. When starting a new job, it makes a massive difference if you work for a great boss. It also helps to be in a business with an inspirational chief executive, someone who is innovative, ambitious and a good communicator who makes life fun.
You already realise your current job is going nowhere, but don’t quit yet. Wait until you have secured a new job, and, this time, I hope you get lucky and find a business full of energy and sparky colleagues.