Inspirational Managers

Throughout our careers, we’ve all encountered a range of managers—some good, some bad, some indifferent. But how many of those bosses were truly inspirational? It’s one thing to lead a team, but quite another to leave a lasting impact that carries residual value beyond the role itself. That’s the mark of a great manager.

Think about it: how many former bosses do you still keep in touch with? More importantly, why? In most cases, it’s because they influenced your career in a positive way, offering guidance, support, and fostering mutual respect. These are the managers who went beyond the checklist of daily tasks and took an active interest in your growth and development. You remain connected because they made a difference. And often, the lessons they imparted don’t fade with time; instead, they remain with you throughout your professional journey.

Conversely, how many managers have you chosen not to stay in touch with? What drove that decision? Often, it's due to their lack of leadership, emotional intelligence, or investment in your success. These are the managers who treated leadership as a title rather than a responsibility. They may have been technically proficient, but they lacked the empathy and vision required to inspire. When the working relationship ended, so did their influence, proving their impact was limited to the short-term.

The truly exceptional managers, on the other hand, leave behind a residual value that continues long after you’ve parted ways. They’re the ones who helped shape your thinking, encouraged you to grow, and perhaps even set you on a path you didn’t know was possible. They’re the leaders who you might find yourself quoting years later, applying their lessons to new challenges.

One crucial question: have you ever thanked those managers for their role in your development? It’s a gesture that not only acknowledges their influence but also reinforces their leadership. If you still hold your best managers in high regard, it says everything about the quality of their leadership.

I have candidates in both camps and have learned lessons from them all, soaking up the positive stuff and squeezing out the rest.

So, how many of your former managers do you still keep in touch with—and more importantly, why? What did they leave behind that still matters to you today?