The Best Manager

For me, the best manager must be good mentors, thus great leaders.

A manager must know how to lead roaring lions, crouching tigers, wolf packs, tweety birds and hello kitties. He must be assertive enough to make his subordinates follow and meet deadlines. He must be able to motivate people and not drive them like slaves. He must be an eagle, not a developing cocoon, a catalyst for change, not an epitome of mediocrity; the king of the jungle, not a kitten in a forest, and a leader, not a mere employee.

A manager must lead by example. Company policies are general in scope and exempt noone just like the Philippine Laws that excuse noone. He must walk the talk. It's hard to follow immediate superiors who impose and incessantly remind about the policies while personally violating them (unless a provision in the by-laws clearly stipulates exemption to Management and Executive Committee).

A manager must know how to share best practices. Some people are auditory, visual and/or kinetic. He cannot expect everyone to grasp knowledge the same way one expert does. He must also be comfortable with imparting his learning in order to create the best protégés and protégées.

A manager must be a combination of both a leader and a mentor. He cannot be just a leader without knowing how to relate with his people. He cannot also be just a mentor without the ability to influence towards meeting company goals.

He is way beyond outstanding if he's a great leader, an inspiring mentor, and a good follower, all at the same time.

So, are you working with the best manager? Or are you one of the best managers?