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I remember once a very intelligent but braggadocios fellow new University graduate, Brandon, telling me about his philosophy of life, “No boss is any better than I am, I will not kiss his ass and grovel at his feet, just pay me what I’m worth and don’t tell me what to do. They make more money than God and pay us s**t wages. He must have been sleeping during economics, management and business classes, in a capitalist economy the object is to make a profit. A GOOD MANAGER goes out of his way to communicate clearly with everyone. He knows that he must maintain a cheerful yet professional demeanor at all times, keeping company moral up not allowing his emotions to get the better of him. He anticipates problems before they happen, devises, develops and implements policies and procedures to avoid them when possible. Then devises, develops and implements programs to handle those problems that are inevitable. A GREAT MANAGER does everything a good manager does and he will also find positive ways to instill company pride and loyalty. He creates a work environment where employees look forward to coming to work; they take pride in what they do and are not always in a rush to leave. He knows his job depends upon finding and keeping the best people. This increases productivity, reduces turnover and makes it easier to recruit better, more talented people. However, he also has the responsibility to weed out the slackers and malcontents to keep them from draining profits. Brandon said, “ I am as good as or better than any boss here, they should be asking me how to run this place.” While it is true that he normally did a reasonably competent job, but not any more so than any of the other workers. I also remember this same fellow begging for his job back after being fired for theft. When he finally accepted the futility of his efforts, he then started blaming everyone else but himself, threatening to bring a lawsuit “unfair working practices” and “mean management”. He filed for unemployment benefits and made a claim against workers compensation. He was denied both as the board found he was fired for ‘just cause’ and his workers comp claim was bogus. Refusing to get another job or start a business in order to earn a living, he eventually went on public welfare. When he tried to actually bring that lawsuit he threatened, the lawyers laughed him out of their office. He was arrested one night when he was caught breaking onto the company office and trying to steal the cash box. He told the police that he was cheated, the company had plenty, he deserved that money and he was entitled to it. In prison he promoted his ‘philosophy of life’ to all the other inmates telling them they have to ‘fight the man’ and subscribe to his theory of equal distribution of wealth. A high intelligence quotient and a degree do not necessarily make you a smart person. There is something to be said for experience, wisdom, good judgment and character.