A note on managers

Leading and managing people is hard work. When done well, it draws energy from every aspect of yourself: self-regulation, communication, patience, compassion, humility, intentionality and reflection.

Before I was ever responsible for people I wondered what, exactly, managers did all day. As far as I could tell, the non-managers were doing the meat of our work so what was the value and contribution of that other role?

Then I spent 10 years as a supervisor then a manager, continually striving to do the job justice. I made a lot of mistakes, and I got a lot of things right. I learned not only how to be a better manager, but how to be a more understanding and compassionate colleague and human.

There's a lesson I take with me into all my future work, whether I am a manager again or not:

If your boss is any good, they've

- thought about how to assist your career goals
- lost sleep wondering if they're doing well
- supported you or your peers through hard personal times
- shielded you from some sh*t
- fought for you behind closed doors

It's often thankless.

— Suzanne Huggins (@PSSuzanne) September 28, 2018

If a manager or supervisor has made a difference for you: taught you something, been a good ear, given you opportunities, built your confidence... tell them.

A specific heartfelt word of thanks is very meaningful (and few and far between).

— Suzanne Huggins (@PSSuzanne) September 28, 2018