I got permission to share this story from a grade schooler. This is his “a-ha” moment and is a good reminder for managers too.
My Stick-in-the-Hole Moment
I was playing on the swings at the park when I got the idea of climbing a tree. So I found a sturdy tree and was about to climb when I saw a hole in the tree. I jammed a stick in the hole. All of a sudden, “Buzzzzzzzzzzzzz!” A swarm of bees flew out of the hole and attacked me. I stood there in shock, waving my arms wildly. I felt stinging. Nine connected and stung me! My face and arms were burning. I ran home, crying my eyes out. I learned never to jam sticks into holes in trees!
What is your jamming the stick-in-the-hole moment? Was it a meeting you walked into not as prepared as you should have? Or a handbook you created from an internet template? We all have those moments when we realize we didn’t know what we got ourselves into until it’s too late.
The moral of the story for managers – know what bear (or bee) you might be poking as it relates to HR issues so you don’t get stung.
If you need help, give us a buzz: 410-381-9700.
-Eileen
