[INFOGRAPHIC] Inside the Mind of a Successful Manager. A successful manager feels secure in their role and recognized for their contributions, according to Vince Thompson, author of “Ignited: Managers Light Up Your Company and Career!” “They know how to lead in a limited space and they know how to help their people be great. They also know how to take their unique perspective and unique role within their company and apply it to reach their highest purpose,” he says.