Why Managing Others Is Not Easy

‘Management is not your passion; your real job is.’

‘Managing is the high-wire act of balancing useful guidance and getting out of the way.’

‘Management is about communication, rapport, morale, and productivity.’

‘Thinkers lead with their heads; feelers lead with their hearts.’

‘It is important to care about your staff, to show them you really like them as possible. You’ll also feel better about yourself by demonstrating your warmth toward others.’

‘The only way you can aspire to managerial greatness is by channeling yourself.’

Your sole areas of direct responsibility are your thoughts, your words, and your actions.’

‘Nearly always, when we attribute a belief or opinion to someone else it means we have it ourselves.’

‘People may doubt what you say, but they will believe what you do.’

Lead with questions. And listen to the person giving the answers. You’ve always lost if you think you know the answers.’

There’s always another choice.’

Source:

Devora Zack (2012). Managing for People Who Hate Managing: Be a Success By Being Yourself

‘Yes’ And ‘No’

‘Every decision about yes and no really comes down to how you’re going to spend your time.’

No is how you protect yourself and others from making bad commitments, dedicating resources trying to do things that cannot be done (not possible), are not allowed (against the rules), or that on balance, should not be done ( a bad idea or not the next top priority).

‘Every good no makes room for a better yes.’

Yes is the beginning of a collaboration, the start of something.’

Every good yes is a chance to make the most of a good opportunity and serve others by adding value and building your real influence.’

Every good no – or not yet– makes room for a better opportunity.’

Every bad yes is a waste of time, energy, and money that will crowd out a better opportunity.’

Every bad no is a missed opportunity or a delayed ( and maybe soured) opportunity if the no gets overturned.’

Every yes is a commitment, and every commitment deserves to be taken seriously and honored with a good plan and focused execution.’

Plan the work so that you can work your plan.’

Source:

Bruce Tulgan (2020). The Art of Being Indispensable at Work: Win Influence Beat Overcommitment And Get The Right Things Done