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...
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