jonm, count me as another who appreciates good management as you've described. When I was in sales, that's exactly what our sales manager did, among other things. He would go to bat for any of us as long as we played it straight with him, etc. Good managers who really care about their people are rare gems these days.

IMO, a lot of people would benefit greatly from some of what Jack Mitchell writes about in his book, >Hug Your People.

There are some really neat stories in this thread...what wondrous, creative people you all are and of such integrity to your own selves. Makes me proud to *know* you.

kat