He made the decision to hire Jackie Robinson for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 and he was also instrumental in bringing Roberto Clemente to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1953. Rickey, a man of high moral principles, never drank or smoked, and always remained faithful to his family and faith. He died a few days later. One of the players who originally resented Rickey's integration of Robinson into the game later came to recognize the importance. Managers and GMs alike could learn from Branch Rickey even today.
Managers are a combination psychiatrist, brother, sergeant, pastor, judge and father.
They also need to understand the game. Managers have to know their players as individuals. They can't handle them all the same. There are some things you cannot control as a manager. You can't control their basic ability.