Management.
It can be super daunting because people feel it’s more about dealing with others shit than doing great work.
And sometimes it is.
But it doesn’t always have to be that way.
Whether I am a good manager is something my colleagues would have to tell you, but one thing I think I am good at is building a team. That’s not just down to who you hire – in some ways, that’s the easiest bit – it’s how you keep them all together while moving them collectively and individually forward once they’re in.
And for me, it comes down to one word.
It’s that one at the top of this post.
Trust.
Small word.
5 letters.
Means everything.
But one thing I was taught that has served me well is that trust is earned not just handed to you because of your position.
Yes, Hemingway said the best way to trust someone is to trust them – and I get that, because so much starts with the attitude you have towards someone – but as a manager, I believe the key to achieving it is to accept you start with none of it.
Which is why if you’re at a point where you could be taking on a management position and are either fighting against it or daunted because of it, let me tell you what has helped me.
When you take the job – regardless how well you know you team – don’t expect them to trust you.
It would be nice if they do, but even then, don’t take it for granted.
Earn it by proving it.
Keep earning it by continually proving it.
Be transparent, honest, consistent, constructive and supportive.
Oh, and for gods sake give a shit about what those you are responsible for, give a shit about.
They can deal with you fucking up.
If it’s your first management gig, they almost expect it.
But they need to feel you support them, back them and want the best for them.
That doesn’t mean you pander or creep, it just means they know you want them to succeed better than they thought they could by finding ways to develop their talent to be better than they thought they ever could.
Earn their trust by investing your time in their lives. Listen. Be honest. Give a shit. Talk to them. Make space for them to grow, be inspired, fuck up and fail. Not to mention for them to change your mind on things you thought you were certain on. Never let good enough ever be good enough – for you, for them and the work being created. Know what you don’t know so they can learn from someone who does.
Yes, you will still have to deal with their shit – and they’ll have a ton to give you over time – but they will repay you by making the best work of their lives because ultimately, you’ve created the environment that enables them to keep performing at their best in ways that are better than they ever imagined.
And that’s when you discover management isn’t all filled with darkness, but also with brilliant light.