Ahsoka’s Story: How To Manage a Good Employee
Ahsoka Tano has been on my list of female Star Wars badasses since I peeped her in Clone Wars. She had this quiet strength that made me want to know more about her. So when the book came out, I nearly passed out with excitement. Now I know she’s not in this Star Wars movie, but I’m still including her in this week’s Star Wars Celebration because, to me, she represents the epitome of the perfect employee. And so we must discuss how to manage a good employee like Ahsoka.
“It’s every citizen’s duty to challenge their leaders, to keep them honest, and hold them accountable if they’re not.”
Ahsoka Tano
Ahsoka was brought to the Jedi Temple when she was three years old and accepted into the Jedi Order, where she was raised and trained in the ways of the Force.
When she became a teenager, she was introduced to Anakin Skywalker, a Jedi Knight at the time, and assigned to be his apprentice. Despite their rocky start, Anakin and Ahsoka would bond and grow really close.
It is through this relationship that we can observe both an example of an exemplary employee, and an example of an awesome manager.
Ahsoka’s Traits
It’s important for me to take a quick break here to discuss some of Ahsoka’s traits; because it is these traits that set her apart from others.
Because of Ahsoka’s introduction to the Jedi, she seemed aggressive and impatient — wanting to prove herself right off the bat. However, under Anakin’s tutelage, she matures and grows into her skills and abilities; she quickly becomes a valuable member of the Jedi Order. She is an avid learner — always receptive to guidance and open to being taught in order to expand her knowledge and experience. Ahsoka is confident, and stands by her convictions, even when it isn’t easy to do so. She is ethical, compassionate, and honest; and she never backs away from a challenge. She accepts criticism with grace and an open mind. And she continues to be a hard worker, even when it seems the odds are against them.
What Defines a Good Employee?
Besides the traits that made Ahsoka an awesome Padawan, I found an awesome description of a good employee, as defined by Emily Smykal for Jibe.com. She gives the following seven qualities:
- Strong work ethic
- Dependable
- Positive Attitude
- Self-motivated
- Team-oriented
- Effective communicator
- Flexible
How To Manage A Good Employee
I have seen and read all things Ahsoka Tano. She ranks number two on my list of Star Wars favorites — following Princess and then General Leia, and preceding Princess Amadala, and then Darth Vader, himself. What? You have to admit that dark suit and slightly dark personality has some appeal. Anyhoo, I am going to try to have #nospoilers throughout this post, but I can’t promise there won’t be a small insignificant slip-up a time or two. Give me a break — I get excited! Plus, if you’re going to be a regular to this site (which I hope you are!), you should just go watch Star Wars. Seriously. You’ll thank me later…
So now that we know some of the traits that make up a good employee, we can discuss how to manage one of these employees. Two or more, if you’re lucky or just know how to recruit like a pro! Honestly, it isn’t rocket science, but some managers just don’t get how to handle a good employee. This is not to say that these employees can’t use oversight, direction, or oversight, but the specific needs are going to be different than your run-of-the-mill employee.
The goal here is to graduate your employees from entry level, to run-of-the-mill, to exemplary. It isn’t easy, but it requires as much work on your part as it does on the part of the employee.
In 2018, the mantra is to just “be better.”
Train Them In The Ways of the Force
The workforce, that is. Don’t hire an employee and then leave them to just “figure it out.” Help them get acclimated to a new workplace, to maneuver a new environment on their own, and then train them in the ‘hard skill’ part of the job. Set them up to succeed from the beginning, rather than setting them up for failure in the end.
Assign Them To a Good Team Under a Good Manager
There is nothing more crippling to new morale than a bad manager in charge of a bad team. It behooves higher-ups in a company, or human resources, to identify and address bad management — for the sake of the employees and the business. Anakin, despite his other flaws, was an awesome manager.
More on bad management coming soon…
Offer Thoughtful and Constructive Criticism When Necessary
Even with all the skill and training in the world, things don’t always go as planned. Ahsoka made a grave mistake at the Battle of Ryloth (#nospoilers); and although Anakin had to discipline her for not following orders, he still consoled her and tried to help her get over her embarrassment and guilt. Ahsoka, being the good employee that she was, accepted her discipline and took full responsibility for her actions.
Because Anakin knew that Ahsoka was a good Padawan, instead of casting her off as a failure, or not trusting her abilities again, he chose to so what all good managers should: he gave Ahsoka a second chance to redeem herself, utilizing her skills, knowledge, and newly-acquired *constructive* criticism. Even though she was still gun-shy from her last failure, as we all often are sometimes, she stepped up to the plate, accepted her assigned role, and nailed it.
Fine management at its core, ladies and gents!
Don’t Micromanage
Although Anakin was assigned to lead and teach Ahsoka, he did not micro-manage every task she was assigned. He acted as her source of support and knowledge when needed, as well as provided a listening ear when required. Generally, he was hands-off so she could succeed (or fail) on her own merit.
Managers: train your employees; be available to discuss performance and give advice when necessary; but don’t loom over your employee’s every move. It doesn’t get the job done any faster, and it tells your employee in no uncertain terms that you don’t really trust them to do their job. Trust works both ways. Micro-managing speaks more to your inability to effectively manage, as well as to you having nothing better to do with your time, than it does your employee’s perceived incompetence.
Mentor Your Employees
If you form a good working relationship with your employees, they will come to trust your experience. Without even trying, a good manager will become a mentor — this includes advising, counseling, and even sometimes just listening. Mentoring requires a good relationship as the foundation, and then grows into supportive the growth and development of your employee.
Anakin was constantly offering helpful counsel to Ahsoka. He did so with no expectation of anything in return, and with good intentions behind his role. This continued to strengthen their relationship because Ahsoka could see that he really did care about her success as a Jedi. And he was a friend to her, above all else.
Fight For Your Employees
There are times when you employees’ abilities, status, of pay may come into question by higher-ups or HR.
Ahsoka’s integrity and loyalty came under heavy scrutiny by her own colleagues. Even after all the hard work she put into it all. Instead of joining them in their doubts and accusations, and despite how it looked to every one else, Anakin fought for her, defended her, and worked to clear her name. Even at the risk of his own reputation. Why? Because he believed in her and he wasn’t afraid to fight for what he believed in. He never wavered in that belief, nor did he ever show lack of faith in her or her character.
Managers take note — never question an employee’s character or abilities without just cause. Loyalty also works both ways; and if you want your employee to be loyal to you and the company… then Golden Rule that relationship!
Learn to Let Go (With No Animosity)
Sometimes employees leave, and sometimes it has nothing to do with the manager. There can be circumstances outside of a manager’s control, and despite those circumstances, a good manager will support an employee’s decision. Even if they don’t agree with it. A manager can offer condolences, support, and maybe even a good reference; you’ve done all you can, so sometimes you just have to let go.
“I’m sorry, Master, but I’m not coming back.” ~Ahsoka Tano
Don’t let good employees go bad with terrible management. Tomorrow we will see how that goes, and how it never turns out well. For anyone. It isn’t easy to lead — it requires more effort, and definitely more work. But it is rewarding; and, with proper training, a bit of kindness, and a lot of empathy, it can be done. And done successfully.
Just watch how Anakin did it in the Clone Wars.
