What is the most difficult thing about being a manager?

I have to agree with kimkay but another one of the most difficult things is letting someone go especially when it's for economic reasons and has nothing to do with their performance.

While the two other answers are good, I'd have to say that the most difficult thing about being a manager is managing instead of doing. Often times it is the temptation of a manger to just bark out orders to people to get things done or do it themselves. Neither of these is managing.

A manager sets priorities and holds people accountable. Sometimes that means dealing with 'idiots' but those people tend to eliminate themselves from being part of the currently employed group. The trick with management is to strike the right balance between being firm and holding people accountable and knowing when to pull back because hat is being asked is not possible or another course of action is required.

Having that high level view and keeping your eye on the end game helps put things in perspective. A good manager can communicate that to those they are managing.

From complexity comes simplicity and I haven't a simple answer to that question. For me a good manager is someone who does the mechanics of administering the job tasks. Not all persons are good mananagers, yet they may be great leaders.

Vice versa also occurs. I have learned in some work environments I am a terrible leader, but do a great job of managing. And, I am a great leader at times, but am terrible at managing the work environment.

When I get the two together I presume I will get a promotion - (smile).

In my experience, one of the most difficult things about being a manager is dealing with idiots. People who just seem hell bent on making your life difficult. As a manager, such people can cause you unbearable stress and significantly affect your life expectancy - major hazard of being a manager.

Reprimanding my employees. I hate that part. I think I'm too nice for that part, so I always try to do it nicely and hope they'll take me seriously.

On the other hand, if they don't take me seriously the first time, then I'm not so nice, so I guess it works out.

It's not easy being a manager and I think most of it is hard, at least at first. Once you get used to it more and more things seem simple. When it comes down to it, your attitude plays an important role in the level of difficulty in managing.

Many things come into play, but if you stay positive and try your best you will get positive results thus making things easier for you to manage. It also depends on what you are the manager of and how high your rank or position is. Take it from a past manager's point of view, stay positive and just do your job.

You will find it's not as hard as you thought or was at first.

When you give clear and concise instructions that never waver on a nightly basis and people STILL do the wrong thing.

I think, It's when you are tasked to manage but then you are not given the appropriate power to manage it properly. If you know what I mean. =)).

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.