At The Connor Group, we all fail, learn and improve quickly. It’s instrumental our associates take the lessons learned from failures and get better each day. Loop asked associates to share a memorable moment from their career at The Connor Group where they failed and used it to become better leaders.
We continue our series with senior manager Traci Quetano who said her biggest failure carried through her first 12 months with The Connor Group. The pressures of a new role among high achievers can be tough to handle and impact anyone’s mindset. Traci owned and handled the issue as she takes us back to her biggest failure, sharing advice for other associates.
Describe what your biggest failure has been while working for The Connor Group?
My biggest failure was losing my patience with my people and not controlling my emotions at work. During my first 12 months with the company, I found myself overwhelmed in situations. In turn, I took out my frustration, lack of patience, irritation and anxiety on my people. My team knew if I was mad, sad, frustrated or anxious, and I was toxic to be around. I lost several associates due to my lack of patience and ability to control my emotions.
What lesson did you learn from the experience?
As a manager, your attitude becomes your team’s attitude. If you are feeling down, impatient or upset, and you show that to your team, they will feel it. Their attitudes can become negative, unproductive or worse, they no longer want to work for you. Instead, we must be aware and in control of our emotions. It’s a constant battle to be cognizant of what I’m feeling and how I’m being perceived by my team. If I’m feeling overwhelmed, I recognize I need to take five minutes outside to compose myself. If I’m frustrated with someone or something, it’s important for me to acknowledge that instead of being reactionary.
Any advice for other associates facing a similar problem?
Summertime is the easiest time to lose control of your emotions. With the quantity of AC unit work orders and constant high temps, it’s so important to treat our techs with patience, respect and kindness. They are the ones working the hardest in that heat. If you are feeling overwhelmed, take five minutes to decompress before interacting with others. Don’t react. Take the time for yourself and think long-term, not short-term. You’ll be grateful you did.
Was there someone in your corner motivating you? If so, what did they do/say that was helpful?
(Senior manager) Krystal Ware, (partner) Chesley Lewis and (partner) Courtney Dies continue to be three individuals who have always been there for me. They are the best because they will motivate, listen and give advice, as well as give me tough love. They are the voice of reason when I need another perspective.
If you could go back to that failure and tell yourself something, what would it be?
Look in the mirror. For so long, I thought others were the problem when the problem was me.