No.17 Manager’s Series 1 📌 From “Always Getting Scolded” to Thriving as a Manager 💭

💭 Do you feel like being a manager is nothing but constant criticism and endless responsibility?
In reality, with just a shift in perspective, the role of a manager can transform into something surprisingly rewarding and fulfilling.
 
😓 “I Feel Like I’m Always Getting Scolded”
Since stepping into a managerial position, have you ever thought:
“I feel like I’m always being criticized”?
📌 Requests for improvements from other departments
📌 Harsh delivery demands from clients
📌 Delays in schedules
📌 Feedback from subordinates and superiors
When things are going well, it’s simply “expected” and rarely praised.
But when problems occur, you’re put on the front line with a “Fix it now!”
Worse still, sometimes you’re held accountable not just for issues during your tenure, but for problems left unresolved by your predecessor—or even the one before that.
You find yourself bowing to clients and colleagues, running around trying to resolve issues.
When this cycle repeats, it’s easy to think, “I wish I’d never become a manager.”
 
⚖️ The Shadow Side of Responsibility
A manager is given both authority and responsibility at the same time.
Yet, for many, the “responsibility” often feels much heavier.
Why? Because responsibility tends to be associated with inconveniences and potential disadvantages.
💡 But here’s the truth: in most companies, once you leave the organization, that responsibility ends.
What’s really expected is simple—when a problem arises, see it through to the end with your name on it.
And everyone—your boss, colleagues, and subordinates—is watching how you handle it.
Fulfilling that responsibility can actually become an opportunity to raise your reputation.
 
🚀 The Positive Side of Authority
On the other hand, authority—while limited—allows you to make decisions within a certain scope.
Whether it’s executing a budget or deciding whether a project proceeds, it’s a privilege to shape things the way you envision.
Many managers also enjoy flexible working arrangements, enabling greater control over their schedules.
This flexibility can provide a valuable sense of breathing room.
 
🗣️ A President’s Perspective
I once asked the president of an automobile company how he handled the pressures of responsibility.
His answer was this:
“I was happier about gaining authority than worried about responsibility.
The higher my position, the more I could decide how to realize my ideal vision.
Responsibility naturally comes with authority.
Instead of fearing responsibility, you should focus on using your authority to produce positive results.”
The higher your position, the more you can influence your organization’s systems and environment—creating a workplace that works better for everyone.
 
🌱 A Manager’s Greatest Achievement
That same president described a manager’s greatest achievement this way:
“As a section manager, how many future section managers did you develop?
As a department head, how many future department heads have you nurtured?”
🏆 When another department head says, “I’d love to have your talented subordinate,” be ready to send them off proudly.
It’s proof that you’ve raised them well.
Leadership isn’t about keeping talented people to yourself.
The more excellent employees you send out into the company, the more trust you’ll gain—and the more capable people will be sent your way in return.
And when someone you know well becomes the head of another department, interdepartmental cooperation becomes smoother and work gets easier.
There’s also great joy in seeing someone who struggled elsewhere thrive under your guidance.
That, truly, is one of the great rewards of being a manager.
 
✨ In Closing
Yes, being a manager can blur the lines between work and personal life, and the criticism can feel relentless.
But with a change in perspective, it can also become one of the most satisfying and meaningful roles you’ll ever have.
Future installments in this “Manager’s Series” will cover topics such as:

• 💡 How to cope when criticism feels like a personal attack

• 🌟 How to earn genuine respect and trust

• 📊 Handling the pressure of evaluations from both bosses and subordinates

• 🕒 Making the most of blurred work–life boundaries

Please note that the titles of these columns may change upon publication.
My hope is that your life as a manager becomes a little more positive and enjoyable.
 
🛋️ Want to Talk More?
If this column resonated with you and you’d like to reflect more deeply on your workplace situation and feelings, I offer sessions through the online counseling service cotree.
With 40 years of corporate experience and training as a certified Industrial Counselor, I support managers and working professionals with empathy and practical insight.
▶ Takeshi Shimizu (Industrial Counselor)｜cotree
 
📚 Recommended Reading
Here are some books I recommend for anyone who wants to deepen their perspective on management and leadership:

• The Boss Who Brings Out the Best in Subordinates, and the Boss Who Crushes Them – Takashi Saito (PHP Shinsho)

• How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie (Sogensha)

These books will help you rethink responsibility and authority, build trust, and develop strategies for effectively nurturing talent.