One of the most common mistakes and misconceptions about being a manager is the presumption that by being a manager you then have to be the expert, superstar, and lead 'personality' in all things. In my 30+ years in the business, 20+ at the management level I have learned that this formula is not only wrong, its a quick path to becoming inconsequential and eventually axed.

I learned what management is from a great mentor who told me this simple axiom; "The best manager is only as good as the team members he/she inspires to be their best".

I have worked for many managers whose egos far exceeded their talent. Those kinds of people don't inspire others, they intimidate them, or worse, become dictators - and we all know what eventually happens to dictators. They're gone! And while they are around, no one respects them, let alone likes them. Is that a formula for success?

If you want to be a great manager, remember a few things - if you inspire your people to be their best, and facilitate their path to that end, YOU are going to look good and effective. Treat your people as talented humans, each with their own skills. Nurture those skills, facilitate their professional growth - again, that makes YOU look good. And above all, as a manager, develop trust in BOTH directions. Let your people know you will go to bat for them, just as much as you need them to go to bat for you.

Think about it - who, to you, are the greatest leaders that ever lived? I would bet you did not think of any brutal dictators who might have achieved something through intimidation. Sure, they get things done for a while, but in the end, they fail. The best leaders who ever lived became the best by inspiring and facilitating - its just that simple.

After all, look at any successful championship sports team. Did the head coach "win" the games? No, the players did. But the coach inspired and facilitated - and THAT is what makes winners.