Analysts + Associates: What would you like to see in a new-hire external VP?

Howdy, friends. Hope you are enjoying this Wednesday. 

This is a question I've wanted to pose for some time now, especially on this forum. While I can think of personal anecdotes that may answer this query, I know for a fact that the way I think may not be representative of how the world does. Times consistently evolve, and I would like to use this little laydown opportunity to seek some advice from those who would certainly LIKE to provide some 'input' (or a few left hooks?) to their boss(es), albeit can't since they like their job. 

When I was younger (and significantly dumber!), I can remember the dozens of horror-story-VPs I encountered. The stupid decisions made, the personal drama exhibited to me, the seemingly menial and endless work directed my way... all the above. When I was young, I can remember confidently declaring to myself that I would never be that person, that I would never raise my voice, and never offend the people who worked below me. 

Well, obviously, it's not realistic. The more I grew within the industry, the more I realized some decisions that seemed so vastly unfair at the time were really just tough decisions made by those with more experience than me, those who had access to more data than me, and those who viewed the scope of work in a way that I couldn't - I didn't know to look for the reasoning. 

Now, there's that. But throughout my tenure, whether it be working as an analyst, associate, or whatever - I've faced plenty of encounters with my direct superiors that just weren't right. I've been on the receiving end of harsh insults driven by personal dissatisfaction, petty gatekeeping based on inherent biases, and a whole lot of other shit that I objectively didn't deserve - as I know ALL of you have. I've spent nights fuming as I typed at my desk to fix others' mistakes. I've spent nights cursing out my VP/MDs name under my breath, wondering why I'd been sidelined from something I did correctly. I've worked for some really great people and some really fucking terrible people. My immediate goal now is to fall into the former category. 

So, what would you like to see in a newly-minted external VP?

The long and the short of my personal situation is this - I moved across the country last month after accepting a VP position at a UMM/MF, previously coming from an AVP role at an MF. While they both sit pretty on assets, if you put the two firms head-to-head numbers-wise, my former shop would easily win. However, this opportunity allows me to operate more to my liking, controlling personnel, structure, and workflow allocation in a way that I see fit. I have a unique opportunity here to influence the disposition of those on my team, and I want to do everything I reasonably can to ensure my people succeed. 

Obviously, as the start date creeps near, I've begun to develop some nerves. I believe I am a 'people person' and have always felt I'd be a successful leader, albeit the ever-complex notion of EFFECTIVELY managing a group of individuals is daunting. I can run models and strategize numbers all day, I can improve our net clawback while distributing our lean returns in my sleep, but figuring out how to tap into that human element of the game is tough. I realize now that this will be quite the challenge for me, and honestly just want to do right by my people. 

Well, this is certainly getting to be a wall of text, isn't it? If you're still here, I appreciate you reading this far. This community is an enormous blend of smart and reasonable people who have cumulatively accused thousands of years of knowledge within the industry. It's simultaneously filled with people who don't like the way the game is played, don't like the decisions made by their superiors, and want a more cohesive environment to work in. I'll still have plenty of oversight by my MDs and fellow VPs, and fully understand that I can't change the world from my desk. But you can't make anything happen unless you try, and the first step in trying is starting somewhere. 

I'm not a self-made individual, I don't think a lot of us are, really. I've gotten lucky with connections, friends, or mentors who've boosted me up. I would have never had the opportunity to accept this position had it not been for the kindness and perseverance of others, so my only wish is to do the same for those who report directly to me. I've been informed that I'll be responsible for the direct oversight of nearly twenty people. If I can make twenty people just a little more content with their WLB, satisfied with their leadership, or maybe just less miserable with their day-to-day, then I'll be a better man for doing so. 

Thanks for listening. Would love to hear your suggestions. Cheers, folks.