Originally posted on LinkedIn on April 23, 2024
The word “colleague” derives from the Latin “collega”, comprising the root words “col” (meaning “together with”, as in collective, collaborate) and a derivative from the verb “legere”(meaning “to choose for office”, as in elect). One etymology website suggested the meaning “partner in office”, which I particularly like.
One of my colleagues, Rob Carroll, is a work best friend. We make a good team because of our complementary work styles, but here are five reasons that make Rob a great “partner in office”:
1) Rob believes in people. He persistently advocates for people on our team, insisting on giving them more opportunity, more responsibility, more visibility. As a result, we are proud to lead a team that is constantly stretching and our people are always growing.
2) Rob supports their growth. “More opportunity” is not a euphemism for “dump all the work on X”! He is constantly checking in, taking feedback, offering suggestions, making connections, encouraging new ways of engaging with a problem. He sets a great example for me to follow.
3) Rob challenges my thinking. He has worked with me long enough to know how little I know. He knows I welcome his opinions and will consider them seriously. As a result, we make many decisions in consultation with each other, and we stand by them together, good or bad.
4) Rob is an empathetic advocate. Working moms, new dads, underrepresented minorities, newlyweds, remote reports, recent joiners, work-from-homers, life events, you name it. He feels their struggle, makes sure I am listening, and slows me down to t-h-i-n-k.
5) Rob doesn’t give up. He has faced challenges in his career. There have been ups and downs. He keeps going. He takes feedback. He listens even if he disagrees – but he also stands up for himself without putting anyone else down. He is a model of patience and strength.
This April marks 13 years of working at @BlackRock with Rob, about half my professional career. I’m fortunate to have had a great colleague in Rob. He has made me a better listener, lawyer and leader. I hope each of you finds a similar work relationship to inspire and energize you.
Rob keeps a low profile on LinkedIn. That’s the kind of person he is. But I hope he reads this so he knows what an important role he’s played in my career, and in my life.
Some of you in my LinkedIn network know Rob, and so you know what I say above to be true. If you “like” this post, I’ll share with him that you "upvoted" him when I am back in the office next week. It would be even nicer if you could send him a message saying “Justin told the whole world how awesome you are”.
It will totally confuse him, but that’s ok. It will be our little secret.
J
PS – As music fans, Rob and I talk a lot about bands, and I’m pretty sure OMD has come up. The album cover is a nod to our many great conversations.