Today I learned that my first boss right out of college had died. In thinking about him, I thought of all the things I had absorbed working for him and how they had influenced me as a manager later in my career.

He made listening an art, and I have tried to do the same. He used dry wit and humor effectively. Most of all, I saw him defy his bosses and be very courageous to take care of his employees, a lesson that has never left me.

I wish I had thought to tell him how much he had made a difference in my life with his own.

Topics: life, work, people, workplace, Mentors, Influences