According to a recent REUTERS article, workplace violence is on the rise. And to find the reason why, one need look no further than the economy. Job cutbacks, home foreclosures and high food and fuel prices are puting a strain on families all over America. Unfortunately, that strain is not staying in the home. It's traveling to work with many employees.

"A surprisingly large number of people claim to have worked for a manager who was clearly incompetent. Some people even believe, that in certain sectors, the incompetent outnumber the competent. This book looks at when, why and how managers become incompetent and what to do about it. It does so with both science and humour by reviewing what we know about competences, about personality theory and about various salient psychiatric disorders."

First of all, let me start out by saying that this article is NOT in any way an endorsement of Barack Obama. It is merely my observation and opinion, nothing more.

In my opinion, one of the most important qualities of a good manager is the ability to organize.

The dictionary defines a blueprint as: "A detailed plan of action. A model or prototype."

So what does a blueprint have to do with a having a mentor? When you are struggling in your personal life or in your career, it helps to be able to turn to someone whom you admire and trust - someone whom has traveled down the road you're traveling - and done so successfully.

Would you like to be a more successful manager? Of course you would. I mean, who wouldn't?

Well listen up, because I'm going to tell you what it takes.

Successful management requires:

Do you dread going to wok on Monday morning?
Are you one of those people who can't wait until Friday rolls around?

If you are, that's a good indication you hate your job and that
you lack passion.