55. See the wood and the trees

"Some people cannot see the wood for the trees. I see the wood and the trees and the small village beyond and what's more I have a flame-thrower." Simon Munnery, stand-up comic, creator of the League Against Tedium

You've got to see the big picture. It's no good concentrating solely on what you do or what your department does. You can't even keep your gaze limited to what your organization does, or even what your industry does. You've got to see the wider view all the time. The good manager - that's you* - needs to have a good grasp of politics - both national and world - social history, world events, national intentions, international concerns, the environment, current legislation, proposed legislation** and technological developments (ones that may or may not affect your industry).

But you've also got to keep a close watch on what is going on under your nose - your team, your department, your immediate surroundings, the fine details as well as the big picture. The bright manager has to keep their eyes and ears open, their wits about them, their mind open to new ideas and innovations and trends. You've got to see the trees and the woods.

* I keep saying, That's you'. You may wonder how I know. Because you are reading this. Bad managers think they know it all. You are prepared to read, to learn, to seek the advice of others, to widen your horizons, to have opin­ions, to stay abreast of current and new ideas and to keep an open mind by reading this far. That's good. You are good. Well done you.

** No, not just legislation that affects your industry but all big proposed legis lation. You'd be surprised how often the 'knock-on' effect affects you.

56. Know when to let go

"You've got to let it go, let it go

You've got reason to be angry, but try not to let it grow;

When you brood on hate and bitterness till that is all you feel

You will never have the strength to stop the wheel."

'Let It Go', lyrics © 1999 by Catherine Faber

Sometimes it's really hard to let go, to know when to stop. But some projects just aren't going to work. Some team members are never going to fit in. Some bosses are never going to be possible to work with. Some situations must simply cease. The good manager knows instinctively when to back off, to bail out, to retreat, to walk away whistling, pride intact and dignity in place. This rule is for you but also for all the people who get caught, fool around, play up, try to defend the indefensible. Come on guys, know when to quit, know when the dog is dead.

A good manager knows when to hold their hands up, 'Yep, I messed up. It was my fault. I surrender.' Invariably you'll be forgiven because such an honest, direct approach throws 'em off the trail and they don't know how to handle you.

If you don't know when to let go you'll build up anger, resentment, stress, jealousy, pain. Learn to shrug and walk. You don't have to forgive or forget or anything, except drop it and walk away

There is a myth in business that to get even is better than getting mad. But getting even is getting mad, it just takes a bit longer. Let it go. Concentrate on the next big exciting thing you can do.