Jan 24, 2010

Managing People - The toughest job?

Is managing people the toughest job in the world?

Some people might disagree - saying things like managing finances is tough. Or managing disasters is tougher. Or something else.

Here are my reasons why I think managing people is tough (if not the toughest job in the world!)

  1. People (you bosses and your subordinates!) expect you to be a mindreader and understand what they want
  2. Whenever you take a decision for your team there are sure to be at least some people who are unhappy about it
  3. When people have to give good news they'll do that directly - but when it's bad news its you who have to deliver that.
  4. You never know when you are right. Decisions are taken and whether they are right or wrong is only in hindsight.
What do you think? What's the toughest job in the world, according to you?

If you agree what are the other reasons you'd add to the list :) ?