Boss Swap

I watched Boss Swap last night. Some of you may have seen Wife Swap that ABC has been airing. This was a new twist where two bosses switch jobs for two weeks. For the first week they must follow the rules of the previous boss. For the second week they can set the rules and make changes according to their liking. The producers seem to always get complete opposites in personalities, morals, etc. Last night's episode was no different, as bosses switched to work environments completely dominated by employees of the opposite sex. A man left his car dealership and all male employees and moved to an advertising company of all female employees. A female left the advertising company and moved to the male-dominated car dealership.

It got me to thinking, would I ever want to do a boss swap? It made me think about my leadership style, my communication, my ability to motivate people. There are times I feel like my leading is effective. There are times that I know it is not. Would I want someone coming in and doing it better? Would they come in and do worse?

I have about forty people that report to me. All are female but one. I try to have a leadership style that incorporates being a servant, motivator, encourager and exemplar. Based on the situation I also have to manage with authority as well. Sometimes that is not easy but it is necessary in management. Managing and leading many women can be a challenge but I am sure that leading the same amount of men could be just as challenging. I just don't know because elementary education is typically dominated by females.

I love my job. I love leading and working with adults. I love influencing children. I love for students to have some male perspective during their elementary experience. Could I go and be an effective boss at a car dealership or in a high pressure sales job? I doubt it. It is fun to think about, and a little scary too. I think God has me where He wants me, I just hope He keeps giving me the tools I need to lead and manage.

I think they biggest boss swap for me would be for me to go to a male dominated, unemotional, tight constraint work environment. What would be the biggest change for you?