Hey Dear,
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In my first corporate gig, I had a boss who taught me everything. She was extremely understanding and taught me everything I needed to know about the job, the behaviours, and literally everything I needed to know about navigating the corporate world.
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And then, when our project ended, she gave me such a good recommendation to the other manager that I got the other job I was applying for. Literally, months after I was hired at the other project, he told me that the process was down to me and another girl, but my boss spoke about me in such a way that it was an easy decision for them.
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And till this day, I have no idea what she told him, but apparently it was spectacular.
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There's this quote from Charlie Munger that I can't stop thinking about recently:

Don't work for people you don't want to become.
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It's something super important, and we tend to forget that willingly or not, we're picking up behaviours, habits, ways of acting from the people around us.
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And since we tend to spend 1/3 of our lives at work, it's safe to assume we're picking up stuff from people we work with.
This is especially true for our managers and supervisors.
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So let's unpack this.

The role models we surround ourselves with

First thing to notice is that we are mirroring the people we spend time with.
At some point in the past, you've picked up a behaviour from your partner or a friend you hung out with often.
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And it happens with our bosses.
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You see them on meeting with clients and you pick up the way they talk.
If you see them cut corners, you risk normalising that behaviour.
If they tend to react impulsively, you might pick up on it as well.
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Scary part? It often just happens unconsciously.
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​The culture you're in

So, the people you work for are the ones who are setting the tone and the culture in your company.
Which means they are the ones primarily responsible for shaping the environment.
And you literally marinate in this stuff daily.
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The stuff you inhale at work, you exhale somewhere else.
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​Career angle​
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I'm a living example that early in your career, your boss is not just a mentor.
It's your sponsor.
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If it wasn't for my first manager, there is zero chance I'd be where I am today.
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Their reputation and how they are perceived also spill onto you.
If they are respected, there are doors that will open for you.
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So want it or not, they are also a part of your career narrative.
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So choose wisely.

Drain vs. growth

For sure you remember the situation when your boss pushed you to do something new and helped you/supported you along the way.
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You still did things by yourself, but you could've counted on them, felt like you're in the ring, and you have them in your corner.
(If you haven't had this experience just be aware there are bossess who are like that, so it would be a good idea to target them).
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On the other hand, you also remember the ones who gave you the task, thinking it was something great for you, but they didn't help at all, and demanded results.

Great bosses push you in ways that expand your capacity.
Bad bosses push you in ways that shrink your confidence.
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Both will challenge you. But only one leaves you stronger.

There's hope, though

But here’s the flip side: sometimes you don’t get to choose.
And even then, there’s learning.

Bad bosses can be your anti-role models.
They show you what not to do when it’s your turn to lead.
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Sometimes the worst experiences bring the clearest lessons.
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Till next time,
Patryk
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