A Boss from Heaven
No, I’m not referring to Hugo Boss – even though it smells heavenly….
I have worked for a very long time and was reflecting on the bosses I had worked with, when one stood out – Godfrey. He was a very kind boss. Infact, I’ll list his Qualities, so you have an idea of who he is:
- He was very professional - always dressed smart too.
- He appreciated what his staff did, gave feeback.
- Very encouraging and supportive of staff.
- Approachable and respectful – no matter your Grade.
- liked to see his staff progress and pushed them to promotion.
- He was confident in his Staff, trusted them to deliver.
- Had a good sense of humour.
- He was well respected and did his job well too.
Godfrey was my first Boss, I worked with him in the 90s in a Government Job in Liverpool. I was just an Admin Assistant and he was a Grade 7. (A bit higher than a Higher Executive Officer, for those who understand Government jobs in UK)
What I really appreciated about him was that he always found opportunities to put me on a higher grade. Our office was busy, so he’d always fill in a form for me to be on “Temporary Promotion to Admin Officer” for a few months. So even though I was an Admin Assistant, I was constantly on the salary of an Admin Officer. Also when we had high profile events, he’d make sure I was involved, which meant I got to travel with other colleagues of higher grade to London, stay in nice hotels and get to see celebrities supporting our campaigns – not to talk of the generous expenses we got paid, for being away from home. He was nice to every one and his partner worked on the same floor with us too. She was lovely.
Sleeping in the same room with my Boss.
OK. It’s not what your thinking. Once we travelled down to London and arrived at our hotel in the evening about 8pm – The Strand Palace, Hotel. There were about 5 of us. Me, two other colleagues, Godfrey and his Partner. The hotel Receptionist said it was very full (even though our travel agency had made booking). She then looked at us and said there was a big room with 3 beds. Godfrey, his partner and myself then looked at each other. I was thinking: “Oh God, please No!!” They were probably thinking the same as they were a couple. I mean, I don't snore but what if that night of all nights, I snored loudly or started talking in my sleep? or what if they....... Oh! I'm not even going there!
Long story short, they managed to find suitable rooms and I got the room with the 3 beds. So every time we got back to the hotel after a work event – I felt like Goldilocks. Only this time I was asking myself.. “Hmmmh, which bed shall I sleep in today?" I also enjoyed the Triple daily supply of refreshments.
Due to working with Godfrey, I have got to meet Will Carling (Rugby Star), didn't even know who he was until my colleagues asked me to get his autograph for them. Also, met some Gladiator stars and have been to visit inside the Prime Ministers Place at 10 Downing Street - all work related. Will supported our Health Campaign. I won’t write much here. (keep it modest) I have worked with other very nice bosses over the years, (and one or two - not so nice) but you can see why he will always be a boss that I’ll remember. I think also because it was my first Job. I worked with him for about 3 years and then parted ways, as I got a Promotion on Transfer to our London Office.
Cheers Godfrey!
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Cabinet Office - London
