Have a 'Bad' Manager? These Are Your Top 3 Options

I'm writing about this topic because it's something that many think about and talk about. One of the reasons I avoid all gossip circles at work is, inevitably, this will always be one topic of conversation. A topic, along with gossip, that I like to avoid at all costs. I don't believe it's my place or anyone's place to judge another. "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone."

That said, there is one key difference between a 'bad' manager and a good manager.?

A good manager leaves their personal preferences at the door, understands, and accepts that their only role is to facilitate the work so the team can meet its goals. By removing obstacles. By obtaining and providing key information every step of the way. By obtaining tools and resources each team member needs to succeed. By enabling each member to do what they are passionate about and what makes them shine. By protecting and fighting for each team member (though this does not mean allowing poor performance). A good manager always has your back, and you return that a thousand-fold by always over-delivering because you feel safe and enabled to do your best possible work always. (Even if you don't have this, you should still over-delver always.)

A good manager is a servant leader whose only role is team advocate and success enabler.?

You can tell who a 'bad' manager is by the discord that’s on their team. There's usually high turnover, and a high level of angst and frustration among team members. Team members behaving terribly and towards each other. And, of course, great difficulty in meeting team goals, so a poorly functioning and performing team.?

I like to believe that everyone truly has the intention of doing the right things. Where things get confusing is when people may let their ego, past traumas, or their fear of failure dictate how they interact with others, including how they are as a manager. But given the right context, I sincerely believe that even someone who is labeled a 'bad' manager can also become a good manager.

As I noted in my article?Manage Your Staff How They want to be Managed, most managers do not receive the proper training or mentorship on how to manage properly - and this to no fault of their own. It’s just assumed they’ll ‘figure it out.’ Many lack the time due to the pressures of their role to prioritize working on their management style. They simply don't have the luxury of time.

So then, what can you do, if you have a manager who is less than ideal for you?

You really have one of three options. (1) You can leave your workplace in hopes of finding a manager you connect better with; (2) You could communicate with HR (not advisable); (3) Regardless of what others do, you always display good behaviors.

(1) You can leave your workplace in hopes of finding a 'better-fit' manager

This choice, I would caution as not taking too quickly. The grass isn't always greener on the other side. And things can change in many ways. The most important change is you learn how to appreciate and grow with your manager - even if they're not perfect. Which is fine - no one's perfect. They grow on you, and they also evolve with time. Which is perfectly okay. Longevity in your role and for your career is important - particularly in some industries. This is why I caution against leaving too soon.

What the pandemic has taught us is that every day is precious - no matter what challenges come our way. That even challenges in our daily lives are things to be grateful for.

This option is a good choice only if applied correctly. If you search for and take another role without doing proper homework on your new manager and team environment, you could end up regretting your decision.

What needs to happen in this instance is you need to outline what - for you - constitutes a good manager and a good team environment. When you are on interviews for roles you're interested in, you need to ask those difficult questions that will illuminate for you just what kind of environment this really is.

Risks of this choice: if you don't do your homework, you could leave a work environment that is actually better for you than the new situation.

2) You could communicate with HR

I never advise taking this route. Many have gone down this road and many have failed.

It's counterproductive and distracts from your work. The only thing you should be focused on is delivering on your goals. That's what you're accountable for.

What others do, including your manager, let go of and don't focus on. No-one is perfect, and that's okay. Perfection isn't required in order to deliver and be successful.

(3) Regardless of what others do, you always display good behaviors

Never change your behavior to fit anything you see around you.

First, one should never judge another's behavior because you never know what they're really going through in their daily life. They might have a sick family member or other challenge they need to juggle as well. It's always best to give others the benefit of the doubt.

Secondly, never expect the world to revolve around you. Regardless of your seniority on the team, it's best to always remain humble and focus on what's required of you - and do so in the best possible way.

Third, know that one's individual perceptions are not always 100% accurate. Everyone sees things through their own personal filter and those filters can sometimes be inaccurate. Always, always assume the best of others. You'll sleep better at night and also be better able to fulfill the duties of your role.

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About Me:

Higher ed enrollment management leader. 1st Gen college graduate: Only one in my extended families to (a) obtain a Master's degree, (b) move to the US and on my own to build my life from scratch. Insatiable reader (thank you Audible and Kindle!). Obsessed with chess and math. (though currently rusty)

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