When you think of the work experiences that you had throughout your career, are there any particular managers you who stand out? What made them different from others who just blended into past and were rather forgettable? I have been fortunate over the course of my career to work for some excellent managers who not only managed well but led their teams with energy and confidence. I learned a great deal while I was on their teams. In hindsight, I can see that I learned not only from the numerous one on one discussions we had but also from watching them in action as they tackled all of the challenges and opportunities that they faced within their own roles.

For me, my great managers had a few things in common.

1) They genuinely sought out the input of their team – My great managers asked questions that brought the opinions of the team out into the open. They fostered a climate where we could discuss. and even disagree. And they were able to pull each discussion together with actions that each of us had a hand in creating.

2) They did their work with energy and enthusiasm – Their interactions with others were engaging. They were approachable and reached out to others, making and building rapport and connection. I know that my great managers had days where they were feeling the strain of their workloads because they were real about this, authentically expressing that some days are tough. But they had the resilience one needs to handle days like that.

3) They focused on results – They were always trying to move forward and make change. Our teams had objectives to keep us on track.

4) They cared about how the results were achieved – While results were table stakes, how we achieved them mattered. It was understood that damaging relationships with others in the name of achieving results was not valued.

5) They gave me the space to do my work and they were there when I needed them – My best managers told me what I needed to do and let me figure out “how” to get there. Some of the work that was the most fun and the most enriching, was the work where I could “run with it”. And, when I needed help, they were accessible for discussion or to resolve issues that were escalated.

6) They cared about the people on their team, taking time to get them know us as individuals – They made an effort to learn about my work styles and career objectives and also what interested me outside of work. This knowledge influenced them in how they worked with me which positively built upon our connection.

There is no doubt in my mind that while I was in assignments working with these great managers, who were also great leaders, that I was even more equipped and supported to deliver my best work. Over the last several years, while I have had the privilege of managing others, my hope is that I have been, and will continue to be, successful through my own example in paying forward to others some of the benefits I have been so fortunate to have received.