When I started my career, I was fairly self-reliant. As an individual contributor, I was described as a fast learner, hard-working, and capable. Then I was given my first opportunity to manage a team. Like most first-time managers, I found it exciting, challenging, and sometimes frustrating. Though I had some management training, I mostly managed by instinct. I often thought, “How would I want to be managed in this situation?” Having empathy for your team is helpful, but good managers find ways to align their teams’ objectives with their organizations’ objectives. Read more