Manager

Managers are like mothers: Everybody has one. Rock Stars answer to record labels, for example. Politicians are responsible to the public. Even CEOs report to boards of directors.

Indeed, regardless of age, occupation, or industry, everyone reports to someone. And if you’re a Manager, you’re that someone for one or more employees at your company. That company might sell jeans, serve snacks, engineer spaceships, or offer legal services. It doesn’t matter. Regardless of industry, effective management is about best practices, people, processes, and procedures.

As the head of a team or department — sales, for instance, or finance — you’re therefore responsible for supervising the individuals who work beneath you. How numerous those individuals are depends on the size of your company and your rank. Lower management includes Managers who oversee individual people and project teams; middle management is composed of Managers who oversee distinct divisions, sectors, and departments; and upper management is in charge of entire functions of the business.

No matter what level you’re at, your duties are likely to include organizing daily tasks; supervising operations; creating and enforcing policies; planning and allocating the use of resources, including staff, materials, and money; hiring and evaluating employees; setting deadlines; making tactical and strategic business decisions; addressing customer problems and complaints; resolving employee conflicts; communicating company information and values; leading staff meetings; and reporting to those above you the activities of those below you.

Simply put, when you’re a Manager, you’re a leader. In addition to a higher paycheck, you therefore have more responsibility, more accountability and — like Mom — probably more gray hairs.