The experiences of 9 of 13 institute managers at 1 technical and further education (TAFE) institute in New South Wales, Australia, were examined to enhance understanding of the experiences of institute managers in open-ended interviews. The interview questions focused on the following aspects of the job of institute manager: main reasons for becoming an institute manager; major influences on seeking to be an institute manager; extent of preparation for the job and the extent to which the job matched interviewees' expectations; best and worst aspects of the job; actual and desired responsibilities of the job; personal leadership style and influences on its development; level of involvement in decision making, leadership, and change; professional development needs and how they are being met; and managers' future plans. The following were among the recommendations emerging from the study: (1) career development must be considered and planned for; (2) aspiring institute managers should be given opportunities to gain experience in the position of institute manager; and (3) to successfully lead change in TAFE, managers must consolidate their relationships with head teachers and other staff in teaching sections while exploring avenues for growth and innovation in educational leadership. (Contains 20 references.) (MN)