UnLeadership

8Leadership Has Your Back

OUR UNDERSTANDING OF LEADERSHIP IS often shaped by the leaders who have taught, supported, and inspired us along the way. When I think about leadership, I think about the people who have your back and recognize your hard work. I'm Scott Stratten, and I've had a lot of jobs. I worked at McDonalds, but it's no longer there now. It was demolished. Not my fault. Then I worked at Red Lobster, where our veterinarian's office is now. Not my fault. Worked at a Famous Players movie theatre, which is a Staples now. Not my fault. Sports Authority was next; I sold fishing gear. They went bankrupt and left the country, which certainly isn't my fault. I was also a waiter for a while at Opera Emporium. That didn't close down, though; it burned down. I promise it wasn't my fault.

My favorite job was working at the movie theatre. I was a triple threat—a terrible box office attendant, a lazy usher, and a not-so-trustworthy candy concession worker. The theatre had a softball team, and I was hired as a ringer (I went zero for six in our first game, if you're wondering how that turned out). I didn't see eye to eye with any of my managers, especially our general manager, whose name I won't share—okay, her name was Brenda. In hindsight, 95% of the problem was me. I'd come in at six for a shift that started at six, punch in, and hang out in the staff room. My 15-minute breaks always took at least 20 or 25 minutes. I gave away shifts and would then come in and watch a movie ...