This book reveals the discoveries of an author who sought to closely investigate the concerns and challenges of a recent and promising position for improving the quality of health services offered to the population of the municipality of Rio de Janeiro. Having experienced the dilemmas of being a basic health unit manager has awakened a critical and investigative sense to explore the possibilities and limitations of this professional's work. With a rich and realistic content, it provokes debate on the most challenging issues of this position within the new management model, and addresses political guidelines and concepts ranging from the emergence of managerialism to the method for institutional support and the main competences to enhance the actions in the day-to-day work of a manager. These reflections show that leadership, prioritisation and balance are some of the key words for managing basic health units with skill and mastery.