This will be a personal post about a topic that might not be discussed often: being an entrepreneur/manager.

Many times, you find yourself alone with questions that you would most likely prefer to avoid. On the other hand, being a manager offers the opportunity to shape the way you want an organization to function and the values you stand for, which is a fantastic opportunity.

Please note that this is just my opinion, and far from being definitive answers or a guide to being a manager; it is simply my view of the job.

I hope that it can help someone out there.

To you, who might be an entrepreneur/manager for the first time

• You will never be able to please everyone. Those who are determined to like you will find arguments/reasons to support the decisions you make and see the merit in them. The opposite is also true, of course. In short, be yourself; nothing else works in the long term.
• Try to see the positive aspects and the potential/strengths in everyone. We are all different, so find what’s unique in each person and reinforce it.
• Praise in public, criticize in private (an old proverb).
• Be human. Being a manager is not primarily about having the power to make decisions. It means that you have the opportunity to lead the group on the same journey you are on by being yourself. Not everyone may appreciate this journey; accept it. There is nothing wrong with them, or with you; you are simply different.
• Whoever wants to be first must be last. My mother said this to me, and as a child, I did not understand what she meant. But as I grow older, my interpretation is that if you do not have the ability to serve others, you will have a hard time finding others who are willing to serve you.
• Lastly, remember that there was a reason they hired you (for managers), or chose to work with you. They took a chance on you because you are you. Keep that in mind during difficult times.

I suppose all the points above can be summarized with heart, humility, and passion. It would probably have been quicker to just write it like that.

Also, remember that you are only human. You will make mistakes, judge others too harshly, falter when faced with tough decisions, and sometimes feel like you are not good enough… In those moments, read this letter again.