How do you know a great manager?

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I was having a conversation with a colleague this week, and we ended up talking about what were the qualities of a great manager. We ended up talking about a lot of things: how much the person cares about her/his reports, leadership, inspiration, IQ points, ability to be strategic, integrity, etc. etc.

I realized the answers varied for each person, but suddenly remembered the very simple litmus test.

If your manager left to go do something else, would you want to follow her/him?

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