I will always be very appreciative of the many things I learned from working for great managers.

These experiences changed my life in small and large ways which keep alive inside me the hope I will have an opportunity to work for at least a few more - and sooner rather than later.

I’ve written several different drafts on this topic which I never posted because I’ve been been able to capture everything I learned, but then I realized the most important things I learned working for great managers is to never stop learning, listening, or improving – or, life really is about the Parts 2, 3, 4, etc…

So -  what I learned working for great managers, part 1:

• Lead by example and persuasion, not through intimidation or fear; 
• Celebrate success - a little acknowledgment and appreciation goes a long way;
• Select people based on talent and abilities, not because they are Mini-Me versions of yourself;
• Hire people smarter than yourself, then trust them to do the job you hired them to do;
• Be available when you’re needed or wanted; and in the background if you’re not;
• Ask great questions, then take the time to really listen to the respones;
• Encourage curiousity and reasonable risk taking;
• Are genuine, candid, truthful and consistent;
• Trust their team;
• Are great coaches, teachers and mentors;
• Set achievable goals which still require me to lean forward toward to achieve success.

Jeff, Rich, Matt, Michelle, and WHT II … thank you.

”If you have some respect for people as they are, you can be more effective in helping them to become better than they are.” –John W. Gardner