In A Perfect World, Carrying Out Shared Goals Is A No-Brainer

In the corporate world, politics and attitude are just as important as skills.

There was an article I've read in the Harvard Business Review citing an excellent performer who was eventually fired because he couldn't work with his boss. Tension was evident right from the onset of their professional relationship. Since neither had a clear understanding of each others quirks, the company suffered. The boss was also let go, as a result.

The transition from being an independent contributor to a manager is similar to growing pains. The success of your direct reports determines the direction of your career. No matter how good you are as an individual contributor, it becomes irrelevant if your team cannot deliver as expected.