AN INCONSISTENT MANAGER

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(“The signature of mediocrity is chronic inconsistency.”?― James C. Collins)

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I went to the gym, and after coming back, looked myself in the mirror and did not see any improvement. So, I went again the next day and yet did not see any improvement in my body.

On the third day, I talked with the trainer at the gym, and what he told me was an eye-opener. According to him, he started his journey to attain fitness and a great physique about 3 years back, and the first time he noticed any positive change was six months later. Yet, he did not stop but continued doing what he was doing and is still at it.

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It means, that you do it day in and day out, just hang in there and the results will come.

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This is consistency.

One of the key causes of poor-performing employees is inconsistent leadership. An inconsistent leader is sometimes there, sometimes not. Sometimes they listen, and sometimes they blow up.

I have had my share of such people and time and patience taught me how to handle them, although my first encounter with such a person ended badly for me as finally, I had to quit.

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So, how do you handle a leader/supervisor who acts like Jekyll and Hyde:

The short answer is CAREFULLY.

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But here are some tips:

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1.?You must accept the fact that the relationship with this person is not going to be simple.?But you must see it as a challenge and not a burden. It’s a matter of perception.

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2.?You need to be consistent when there’s inconsistency. Working in a company sometimes means accepting decisions that you do not agree with 100%.

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3.?Create a constructive discussion that may not be successful… but it must be done.

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4.?This is not personal. They may be dealing with an issue that has nothing to do with you.

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5.?Any suggestion on your end should be supported with data. It may not be accepted but gives you credibility and allows you to move the conversation with a focus on putting things right.

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6.?Look for patterns and triggers to help you understand the mood swings. Once you can, time your interactions intelligently. (Maybe you don’t have an interaction till the time they have had their morning coffee.)

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7.?When you do encounter a situation, stay calm. Do not respond in kind as that would escalate the issue further.

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8.?Express some gratitude at your end. (Thank you for your help in the brand plan)

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9.?If the behavior of the supervisor is bad on a prolonged basis, seek help from HR.

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10.?If all the above does not work – take the easy way out – find a new job.