On Management.

Most people think management is about "getting work done" - however for good managers that is never the focus, that is the result of good management.

One of my most important tasks is to work on mentorship for our leaders at Sastaticket - and coming across such guides such as this are always a welcome.

https://review.firstround.com/stop-overcomplicating-it-the-simple-guidebook-to-upping-your-management-game

It is a false understanding that management is about “getting work done”. And even when one is told and guided about this, we often fall into this trap again and again. Only with time, training and perseverance do we start climbing out of this pit of micro-management and deadlines and start to understand the values of trust, vision, inspiration and helping the team in order to achieve the goals set.

Trust is probably the most over-rated one. It’s the hardest one to build, and the easiest one to loose. The voice at the back of your head will constantly doubt, but over time you will learnt to control it. And understand that empowerment is the only way forward.

Feedback is the least used tool in our arsenal. A strong, and continuous feedback process is critical for any team - and more importantly feedback does not only go downwards (to the team members) but also upwards, self (reflection) and peers. Its only when we get the 360 degree view of ourselves do we understand the gaps - but unfortunately creating a culture of feedback is easier said than done. The above post also recommends manager effectiveness surveys, which also help identify weak areas across the company.

One of my favourite videos on this topic so far is done by Seth Godin. He does a great job in explaining the difference between Management and Leadership - and how not to do management which will only create mindless drones for your organisation.