How to boss people around...

In my next job, with IDG, I will be a Site Manager. As a Site Manager, I will be responsible for the oversight and management of a small staff, maybe 2 or 3 employees (Dad, correct me if I'm wrong).

I'm a little bit nervous about managing people. My management experience is extremely limited: 3-4 months as a supervisor at the RSC, approximately 7 years ago. As I recall, I wasn't all that good at it. I want to be better this time. I want to be a great manager.

So, I've been thinking about good managers. Good leaders. What makes a good leader? How can I become one?

I think patience is important, and kindness. A good ear and a good heart. The willingness to do yourself whatever it is you are asking of others. Recognizing that a manager must serve the needs of his team, and not the other way around.

Quiet strength is far superior to bluster and bombast. The ability to admit error. A sense of humor.

The capacity to inspire others to do good work.


*Jesus Christ
*Dan Hardin (just below JC; not too shabby!)
*Vernon Smith
*Paul Holtzclaw
*Debbie Long
*Andy Taylor
These are my leadership heroes. If I could be at least a little like some of these folks, I might be a halfway-decent manager.