As a manager of multi milllion dollar a year company, my job incorporates several tasks and duties, A Tale of Two Bosses, resonates deep at home. I know manage a once failed territiory in Los Angeles, where the previous manager had the same tools and open check book from the owner as I do. Although I had a college education I grinded out treacherous seasons as a bathtub re-finisher. I learned the struggle of being a technician who is over worked and under paid. The previous lady was hands off, by the book, manager. I feel I have succeed because of "being one" with my employees has allowed me to "guide" them by being hands on and forecasting future numbers and occurrences so the small office is able to handle a large volume of work. Nice lil' read.
I'm glad it struck home for you. There are a lot of what seem like intangibles within good leaders. But the truth is, if you're so successful at it, you're probably applying many tried and true principles without even knowing it. Maybe you're just a natural! And it seems like you like what you do. Congrats and thanks for reading!