Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way

All of us learn lessons from our managers, both good and bad. From great managers I’ve learned what to do. From bad managers, I’ve learned what not to do. If you want to be a good manager, think about how it feels to be a direct report. People are only as effective as you allow them to be. I view being a manager much like being a parent. If we want successful direct reports then we need to give them roots in the things that will help them grow and wings to allow them to advance beyond our own limitations. Sometimes you have to accept when your direct reports are better at something than you are and get out of the way. Remember the definition of management is getting work done through others. That means you must lead instead of do. Being a good manager means being a good leader.