I hired some professional managers. They were bozos. They didn’t know anything. Anyone who is any good would not work for people who can’t teach them. — Attributed to Steve Jobs

I was fortunate to receive decent management training early in my career. I hope that most of the time I’ve been a manager or leader of a group that I’ve been able to teach and lead and not manage like a bozo.

Many of those bozo-types have crossed my path. I’ve experienced managers who have promised much and delivered nothing. Some who have been backstabbers. A couple whose ethics were suspect.

I truly appreciate the ones who provided opportunity for growth and leadership opportunities. 

A couple of newsletters back contained information about two important skills for leadership—and for life in general. One is the ability to listen. Actually more than ability, it is a skill that can be learned and developed. And not just listening to words but also listening to what is not being said that provides emotion behind the words. The other skill is knowing a person and being known. Specifically how to have a great conversation.

A leader is also known as someone who develops talent. If you are not developing someone to take your place, then you are failing. 

And mostly we need to teach our kids, our colleagues, our team how to live with respect, kindness, and truth.

GE famously thought that any manager could manage anything along with breeding a culture where everyone competes against everyone and someone gets fired every year just because. Look at GE now. Don’t be GE.

My sponsor is Inductive Automation. Check out their flagship product Ignition. Reply to this email to find out more about sponsorship opportunities.

You can find my business and technology blog The Manufacturing Connection.

You can find my personal development blog Faith Venture.

Be kind, forward this newsletter to a colleague.

Gary