My colleagues at work know me for being honest yet diplomatic and congenial. To my staff, I am an authority figure who knows how to empathize with them, as I also rose through the ranks before I became a middle manager. However, in order to preserve the authority, respect and influence I have over my staff, I also make it a point to assume the role of a superior while offering empathic advice or suggestions to them. Further, I only discuss with my staff issues that are related to our work, which may include personal problems that led to poor performance, absences, among other issues. I also offer my honest opinion in every issue discussed, and I think that my honesty and ability to empathize with my staff made me a good influence and inspiration to them. I also establish my legitimacy as a middle manager by showing that I am technically competent to handle the responsibilities and tasks given to me by my superiors. Constantly improving my technical competency is a very critical element to strengthening...

Moreover, I set a good example to all my colleagues by being competent at what I do. For me, it is crucial that people recognize that I have the technical competencies first before I even had the power and influence that I now have as a middle manager in the organization / company. Thus, I become more effective as a leader and manager because I know what concerns my staff and superiors, and I am able to come up with sound decisions and take actionable steps to address these concerns. Armed also with the ability to manage and delegate tasks, I can put on my 'middle manager's hat' in ensuring that these decisions and actionable steps are implemented efficiently and without any compromises. Combining my personality and technical competency, I believe I have gained the power and influence that I know I can rightfully exercise to my staff and superiors.