Management For Startups Podcast

#34 The Two Things You Need To Be A Good Manager

Apr 15, 2020
Why do some managers struggle while others excel? Dive into the intriguing framework from Ben Horowitz that unravels common challenges in management. Discover the dual skills essential for effective leadership: interpersonal abilities and systems thinking. The discussion highlights the vital role of clear communication, especially during personnel changes, and emphasizes how poor transparency can lead to chaos. Real-life examples showcase the balance between people and systems critical for success in any organization.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

The Mystery of Bad Managers

  • Some people can be good managers, while others struggle to improve.
  • This isn't solely due to disinterest, as even disliked tasks can be mastered with effort.
INSIGHT

Two Traits of Good Managers

  • Good managers possess two key qualities: people skills and systems thinking.
  • These skills are rarely found together, which is why good managers are rare.
ANECDOTE

Firing Fiasco

  • A startup fired people without warning or internal communication, causing anxiety.
  • This lack of transparency led to distrust and a potential exodus of employees.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app