I was the worst manager

Real authority isn’t about being tough. It’s about empathy.

Author

Justin Bateh
August 22, 2024

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I was the worst manager.

Fresh out of college, I landed my first management role at 22.

I was in charge of a 7-person call center.

I thought I had to be tough.

No smiles. No feedback. No connection.

I hired and fired like it was nothing.

By the end of the year, I’d gone through 63 employees.

That’s when it hit me: the problem was me.

I had no soft skills.

Didn’t know how to lead.

So I asked for help.

The next year? Different.

Less turnover, more engagement.

I was less stressed.

Real authority isn’t about being tough.

It’s about empathy.

Here’s what made the difference:

1/ Active Listening

Stop just hearing words. Start understanding the meaning behind them.

2/ Empathy

Consider their perspective. Feel what your team feels before making decisions.

3/ Emotional Intelligence

Pay attention to the atmosphere. Control your reactions to lead effectively.

4/ Communication

Be clear and direct. Eliminate room for misunderstandings.

5/ Patience

Take a breath. Not every situation needs an immediate reaction.

6/ Conflict Resolution

Don’t avoid conflict. Address it by finding common ground.

7/ Adaptability

Accept that things will change. Learn to adjust quickly and keep the team on track.

These soft skills changed everything.

I learned that leadership isn’t about giving orders—it’s about connection.

I noticed all the difference when I led with empathy.

I connected with each team member on a human level, heard their personal stories, and created a space where their voices were valued.

This is true leadership. This is how you lead with impact.

Don’t make the same mistake I did. Start building these soft skills today.

It’s really that simple.

📌What’s been your biggest management lesson?

Until next time,

Justin

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