A few days ago, I came across a thought-provoking statement on LinkedIn: "Being Easy to Work With is an Often Overlooked Career Skill."

After some reflection, I have to agree. We often hear about the lessons learned from challenging bosses, but we don't talk enough about what we gain from supportive managers.

The difficulties we face while working with tough bosses tend to steal the spotlight, leaving the lessons we learn from more approachable managers in the shadows. But let's think about it - in both situations, we are learning. In fact, you might realize that the collective learning with an 'easy' boss can be even greater. This is because you're not wasting time dealing with negativity or trying to figure out overly complex solutions.

When I look back at my experiences with both types of bosses, I see that I developed qualities like resilience, the ability to work under pressure, and problem-solving skills more prominently with demanding bosses. However, with easier-to-work-with managers, I gained a lot as well. I had faster learning, felt more comfortable making mistakes because I knew my boss had my back, and could have in-depth discussions about ideas and initiatives without fear. I also understood the rationale behind their decisions.

I gained a lot from both, maybe even a tad bit more with the easy-to-work-with manager. It took that initial statement to make me realize this. These managers embodied collaboration and taught me the importance of building strong networks.

In summary, in a constantly changing job market, one timeless and invaluable trait is the ability to be easy to work with.

🤝So, let's not only focus on building our technical skills but also invest in our people skills. Remember, being easy to work with isn't a disadvantage; it's a career asset, a life skill that can open unexpected doors. 🌟Which type of manager do you think you learned the most from?