I was a business manager for a utility company for about twelve years. I was responsible for four employees and the running of the office. It was a job I never thought I would leave, I loved it and looked forward to coming to work every day. Due to a situation beyond my control and politics, the administration changed and I was unable to support something I did not believe in or consider to be good ethical practice. My management position provided me with a variety of tasks, no day was the same, I found the work challenging and at the same time satisfying. The one practice I maintained while in this position was that I wanted to lead by example. I wouldn't ask an employee to do something that I wouldn't do myself. I am convinced that this practice was necessary to maintain the respect of my subordinates. Being a smaller office, I maintained a personal relationship with those who worked for me, we built a strong team together. I also closely relate this leadership position to the skills needed as a parent; for me the same skills are applied. The ability to guide, teach, redirect and discipline is used in both areas.