The Musings Of An Opinionated Sod [Help Me Grow!]

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A post shared by Kyle Matthews (@kylematthewsceo)

For those of you who are so busy you can’t spent 60 seconds watching it, let me give you the low-down.

In the interview, she discusses how she’d previously held a very senior role at another US food company – Appleby’s – and despite turning the business around, she was denied promotion to CEO that the then current CEO had promised her once she’d proven her impact and success.

The story goes on to explain that on hearing this news, she left to join iHOP, where – having helped develop that business – saw an opportunity for iHOP to acquire Appleby’s and make changes that she saw could unlock even greater growth and value for both brands.

The conclusion is that not only did she succeed in making the purchase, she got to call up the CEO who had broken his promises to her and tell them they were no longer needed.

It’s a great redemption story – despite the host trying to make it sound like her motivations were entirely personal, when she clearly highlights that was not the case – but the real point of this post is this:

GET PROMISES IN WRITING.

Yes, I know not all bosses are such 2-faced pricks – in fact, many truly give a damn about their people – but bosses tend to have bosses and so promises and platitudes mean little unless you have it in writing, dated and signed.

Of course I get situations can change.
I appreciate ‘success’ can be interpreted in many ways.
I understand a boss may feel very differently when their offer of relinquishing their role becomes a reality of relinquishing their role.

But this is exactly why everything needs to be detailed in writing – because without that, you haven’t got a leg to stand on.

I’ve learned this the hard way.

Once because of a change in circumstance.
Once because my boss at the time, was a lying, self-serving, 2-faced, gaslighting prick.
And this is coming from someone who has generally worked at very good companies … which means this sort of stuff must be happening way more than we ever talk about.

The reality is that while companies talk about their staff being their best asset, the reality is many demonstrate this more in words than the day-to-day interactions they have with their people. It’s why it’s kinda-hilarious how so many expect loyalty from their people when so few show that back to their people. It’s also why, if you find a boss or company that is transparent, encouraging and willing to go into battle with you and for you – then you should hang onto them, because they know the best way they can do things for the company is to do the best things for your growth.

But even then, GET PROMISES IN WRITING.

Not – contrary to what you may think – because I am suggesting even these people are untrustworthy, but because the foundation of a strong company culture is transparency, integrity and honesty … and so by getting things in writing, you’re actually reinforcing the culture rather than challenging it.

I know things rarely work out as we like or plan.
I know things change and people make mistakes.
But when everyone knows where they stand, everyone knows what’s expected of them and what they can expect of everyone around them – so when things do go wrong or awry [as they always will to a degree] … at best you know about it before you are affected by it and at worst, it is a bump rather than a full-blown car crash.

I say all this, but I also appreciate that for some, revenge is energy and motivation.

A way to help you get even further than you thought you could get.

And I get it – I really do. However, as much as Julia’s story had a Hollywood-style ending, the reality is for most people – revenge ends up being a drain.

Misdirecting you. Exhausting you. Undermining you.

Ultimately taking more than it provided … and then, the pricks win twice.

Which is why transparency provides power and respect and it all starts with GETTING THINGS IN WRITING.