As a manager, you touch lives. They never told me that when I became one and I never knew the impact I had on shaping so many people’s lives until I left the corporate world. Every time I come back to Singapore, I am so fortunate to be overwhelmed with invitations to luncheons and dinners, some even tried to squeeze in supper with me when they realised my time is all booked up. These invitations are from friends, friendships stemmed from working together either as a team or a fellow peer.

Each and every one show in their little own ways that I meant so much to them and it does move me to tears that I have received so much and had the rare opportunity to give so much more. As a manager, you are not only someone who bring in performance, you are to lead, inspire, innovate, guide and teach. You just don’t manage as a manager. You are a lot more than that.

There were countless times, I had held a hand while he or she sobbed about their personal troubles. Countless times, I raised my voice on an individual to drive the home importance of his or her role, only to weep secretly in my cubicle with regrets. Countless times, I tossed and turned at night because I was worried about how a team mate is coping with illness. Countless times, I counselled on the phone hours after midnight to someone who needs help in career advice.

Way too many times, I have been told that I care way too much about my people and my work. I’ve put my family’s appointments aside when someone in my team needs a little more help just to coach him after my work. I’ve missed dates, just to participate team outings. I’ve worked past midnight, alone in my cubicle for a new strategy to bring my team’s performance up.

All these are worth it when I see my folks promote in ranks, headhunted by big companies and even left to open their own businesses.

People may think it is silly that I gave so much as a manager when I am not even rewarded but they have never been so wrong. My rewards are not of the monetary value, not praises, but of the shiny tears welling in their eyes when I announced I am leaving.

That, my friend, is more than enough for me than a huge paycheck at the end of the month.