Day 8/25: My old manager
A note on management/leadership
I love people with infectious energy (this word sounds too new ageyfor me but it’s late and can’t think of alternatives). Today, I spoke to a manager I had on my intern last year whose charisma changed my whole view on work. His energy would periodically pop into my mind whilst at university. He would skip into work, making jokes and smiling from 6:30am (yes we’re finance bros) till markets close. Perhaps due to my own personal biases, I didn’t know someone could come into work so excited each day. As an intern, there’s only so much “high energy” you can fake but he for sure genuinely loves it (I mean you can’t make it to director in 10 years and not.) Maybe this has a part in him being one of the best at his role in the world. I asked him what kept him going and how does he maintain that energy, he responded with 2 things:
set daily goals that are challenging but achievable
Build great teams that you enjoy being around
The first one is cool and I hear it, but it’s the second one that’s been on my mind since. Having built many many teams, the energy of a team is something I’m increasingly considering. Often it starts top down, creating an environment that brings the best out of people. It’s infectious. Something so simple as smiling helps make others have a more enjoyable experience.
So for my builders, what kind of environment are you making for your team? Is it a joy to work with you?
NYA