Who "The Man"? You "The Man"...eventually.

Hello, Rebellion.  I know...it's been way-too-long.  Rough semester, but things are evolving...just as you are all evolving in the world of production.  That means it's time to address something most schools don't address: becoming "The Boss" (a.k.a "The Man").

It will happen to you.  Yes, it means more money, more power, and more prestige...but it also means you are out of the trenches and into the "big office".  You have to be ready for decisions that will bring about loss of sleep, excess stomach acid, and "loss of friendships".  Here are a few things you've got to be ready for:

1.) Don't reward people who are pissed-off.

I watched the reality show "The Restaurant" several years ago and watched Chef Rocco Dispirito make a BIG blunder with a bartender who quit his restaurant.  He rewarded her with a real Italian Vespa to get her to come back to work.  She quit: he rewarded her.  The rest of the hard working staff got nothing, and they were pissed.  I had a similar experience several years before: a producer quit the company where I was working, and the boss gave him a raise and a customized laptop in order to come back.  The next day, we all quit and gave our list of demands to come back.  If 50, 100, 1000, etc. play by the rules, you can't reward those who get pissed and storm-off.

2.) "You knew the job was dangerous when you took it."

First time I got promoted, I got a handshake, a raise, and told to fire the guy who'd been at the company for 30 years.  Being in charge still sound fun?  When you get that "dream job" (I absolutely hate that term: why dream about a job? I dream about fighting Batman), it means you are responsible for taking crap and people dealing with your crap.  Most of the time, they are NOT going to like your crap.

So, what to do? Go buy a team-building and management style books?  Personally, I hate those things.  The best thing you can do is observe and experience from your bosses.  What do they do?  How do they lead?  Why do you think they lead that way?  Did you ask them what experiences have helped them/hurt them in becoming a producer, director, etc.?  Would you do the same thing?  Do you know what pressures your boss might be under?  Maybe you should find out...because eventually...that's gonna be you.

Long Live The Rebellion.