Q: As a manager, I struggle with managing the pressures of my boss’ expectations while trying to meet my team’s needs. How do I best set priorities to keep everyone happy?

A: Rethink your goal. You’ll never be able to make everyone around you happy, so focus on a vision of leadership success that is grounded in personal authenticity and integrity.

Setting aside your current day-to-day, what does it mean to be a good manager? What does a good manager do or say? Is that the same or different as a good leader? Take time to understand your aspirations.

Now think about what other people want from you. It may feel like they want you to do certain things. In fact, your boss probably cares less about what you do than the outcome you achieve. Likewise, your team is likely less invested in your activities than in how well you meet their needs. So, in considering what they want, take a step back to understand the contributions you make to them when you’re operating at your best.

-- Tribune News Service