The Effective Manager

Afterword

I've shared a lot of detailed, actionable guidance here, to help you start using the Management Trinity. I've shared it because we know it works, and because it's teachable.

And, in all the details and recommendations, I hope I haven't obscured what the engine of your greatness as a manager can be:

Love.

If you want to be a great manager, do these things with love. What I mean is professional love: the willingness to risk yourself for the benefit of another. It means doing something that may be a little more difficult for you, as a way of showing respect for your colleagues and your organization.

You can be demanding while also showing respect for your team. You don't have to withhold positive feedback. You can give negative feedback with love in your heart. You can deliver tough messages with kindness. You don't have to be mean, short, or disrespectful to challenge people. You don't have to be brusque, or rude. You don't have to “act like the boss.” Nor do you have to sugarcoat hard messages. Be direct, and be kind doing it. That takes love.

Today, part of why management isn't held up in a noble way is because nobody's been teaching us how. And it's also because we've gotten away from loving our colleagues and team members.

But it doesn't have to be that way. Choose the harder right, instead of the easier wrong. Love is the engine to help you get there.

To the long-standing members of the Manager Tools community, thank you for your support. Thank you for your hard ...