Brazilian leaders see themselves as responsible for you as a complete person, not just for your work performance. Expect your manager to notice when you’re struggling personally, to ask about your family, to consider your life circumstances when making decisions about work. This isn’t intrusive by Brazilian standards—it’s what leadership means. You’re not expected to maintain a wall between personal and professional life with your leader.
When you have problems—family illness, personal difficulties, financial stress—it’s appropriate to share these, and leaders are expected to respond with care and accommodation. If you’re a leader, understand that your team expects this from you. Being a good manager includes attending to your people’s lives beyond their job functions, helping when they face difficulties, treating them as whole persons rather than work-producing units.
Comments