ABSTRACT
The production manager works for the production. You work for the organization, and you
work for your staff, as much as they work for you. To mount a show or an event requires an
incredible amount of effort from an amazing amount of people. All of those various people
must be able to work together. If you want to be a good manager, you must first be a good
leader. A good leader must be:
• Adaptable: Each production will require something different from you. Each day, you
will set out to accomplish a list of tasks, and the priorities will shift as a challenge arises. Each day, you will interact with a variety of personalities-some easy-going
and some more challenging. You need to adapt as necessary to support the project and
your team. “It is not the strongest of the species that survives; it is the one most adaptable to change.” —Charles Darwin
•Calm/patient: No one wants to work with a stressed or angry production manager. If you
can stay calm under great stress, you can inspire others to do the same.
