6 Counterintuitive Rules for Being a Better Manager — Advice from Lambda School, Quip & Facebook

Molly Graham shares her collection of rules for managers (which include references to robots and wilderness medicine), assembled from her experiences scaling Lambda School, Quip and Facebook

Outline

RULE #1: MANAGEMENT IS NOT LEADERSHIP.

Graham explains the distinction between management and leadership, emphasizing that management is about making the people around you better. True management involves investing in people and aligning their roles with their growth areas.

RULE #2: DON’T TRY TO CREATE ROBOTS. FOCUS ON MANAGING THE WHAT, NOT THE HOW.

Graham argues that high-performing teams consist of independent thinkers who meet goals without being micromanaged. The focus should be on what needs to be achieved, not how the work is done.

RULE #3: GOOD MANAGERS NEVER CREATE A SECOND PATIENT.

Drawing a parallel from her wilderness training, Graham asserts that managers cannot help others if they themselves are burnt out. Managers need to prioritize their own well-being.

RULE #4: SPEND MORE TIME THAN YOU THINK YOU NEED TO WITH YOUR HIGH PERFORMERS.

Graham stresses that high performers need guidance to reach their potential. Managers should spend time with them and help them grow, using techniques like looking back and looking forward.

Look back, look forward.

Graham suggests using monthly or project-end reflections to assess likes, dislikes, lessons learned, and future challenges.

RULE #5: SET EXPECTATIONS, BUT KNOW THAT YOU’RE NOT ALWAYS THE ONE WHO NEEDS TO BRING THE CLARITY.

She highlights the importance of clear role definitions and expectations, especially in unclear situations typical in startups. Managers should avoid overpromising clarity they can't provide.

RULE #6: DIRECT IS KIND. HAVE THE HARD CONVERSATION — EARLIER THAN YOU THINK YOU NEED TO.

Finally, Graham recommends having direct, honest conversations about performance issues early on to alleviate confusion and frustration.