Work does not coordinate itself. A manager is a person responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and controlling the work of others to achieve organizational objectives.

Managers convert higher-level goals into tasks, allocate resources, monitor progress, develop people, and resolve problems. The span of control and the mix of technical versus interpersonal work vary by level and function. First-line managers stay close to daily operations; senior managers shape systems and strategy.

Effective managers clarify expectations, provide support, and hold people accountable. Ineffective ones create confusion, micromanage, or abscond from hard conversations. Management skill can be learned, yet it still requires judgment under incomplete information.

• Person accountable for the work of others
• Plans, organizes, directs, and controls
• Develops people and delivers results
• Operates at different levels with different horizons