The Greatest Boss Contest Runner-Up
Robert Shackelford
Southeast District Manager
Agilent Technologies
Columbia, MD
For-Profit Organizations Category
Nomination Essay
Robert Shackelford/Agilent Technologies is my nominee. I have had many managers in my 31 year career, but Robert is clearly the leader who understands my strengths and provides me the freedom to cover my accounts utilizing these strengths instead of pigeon-holing me into "covering the accounts as a chemist would do". More importantly, he also understands my weaknesses and encourages me to challenge those weaknesses in a supportive way. For example, he knows that I am a non-scientist covering highly scientific accounts.
We will visit customers together and if needed, he is always ready to step in as needed to present without embarrassing me. He compliments me in front of the customer and leaves the customer with the impression that I manage my resources well. Robert speaks highly of me (and his other acoount managers) in front of upper management and truly believes his success shows when his account managers are successful. He doesn't take the glory- he gives the praise!
He has never not supported me when I have made a mistake AND we work together to make it right. Robert also has helped me transition into a new position that accommodates some health issues without being intrusive. He recognizes my value to the company and wants to retain my skills and expertise. He gives me/us insight into company decisions that don't necessarily sense to the field/sales side of the house, but affect us.
I work for a great company, but it is Robert who keeps me there! And did I mention that he sends hand written (on stationary) thank you notes? He is the best!
