jwanheah

I have had the honour of working with some great and some horrible managers, and have helped various entrepreneurs & leaders manage their managers. Here are some traits of a bad manager, traits you should look out for in yourself and make the conscious effort to change.

1. Loves to interfere but avoids responsibility
They like to know everything not cause they care but to make themselves look busy and appear as ‘the boss’. They’re concerned about trivial details and constantly pass comments on work they haave no experitse in (usually negative comments). But when things go wrong, they throw people under the bus and don’t step up for the team.

2. Acts like a nice guy
They buy the ocassional meal and crack jokes to laugh with the team. But when push comes to shove, their needs outweigh the entire team’s.

3. Pretends to know
They actually have no knowledge nor experience in their work but act as though they know everything. Instead of of fostering teamwork and seeking help, they comment and direct as though they are experts.

4. Creates problems instead of solving them.
They nitpick minor issues just to make sure everyone is aware of their presence. But when asked for solutions, they are vague and indecisive. Instead of providing coaching and guidance, they give vague advice. Doing this to ensure they don’t have to take responsiblity for any action

5. First to take credit, first to blame.
They are the first to claim credit (usually for work they never did) and are quick to point the finger when things go wrong. Usually saying decisions were made withouth their approval. They specialise in pleasing superiors and pushing down the blame.

6. Obsessed with formalities
Their title is the most important thing and they make sure you know it. They call for meetings to make the team present information that is usually readily available to appear in power

7. Constantly changing their mind.
One idea today, another tomorrow.
One direction today, another tomorrow.

8. All Optics
Everything they do is for show. Sensationalisation of their work (if any), very public display of responses and reactions; usually in chatrooms or meetings where the boss is present.

Be the leader you wish you had. Be self aware, if you catch yourself displaying these traits. Make conscious effort to correct yourself.

What are some of other traits you’ve experienced?