If you’ve been in business for any length of time, you have probably dealt with good and bad managers. A good manager can make or break a company. Good managers can help a company and its employees to thrive. In contrast, bad managers can hobble even the best employees and often cause companies to lose valuable talent. When it comes to selecting individuals for management positions, here are some red flag habits every business owner should watch out for.
Seeming Distant or Secretive
When you put someone in a position of authority, you want employees to feel comfortable with that person. Someone who doesn’t communicate openly or actively tries to hide things from employees will not gain their trust. Managers who withhold information cause employees to become nervous and fearful.
Indecisiveness
Managers must be intentional. Being able to make decisions and provide clear direction to employees is a must for someone in management. A manager who constantly changes their mind or moves the goal post can’t expect employees to remain committed to seeing projects through.
Arrogance
A good manager can take feedback and learn from mistakes. Those who always try to pass the buck and blame others will lose credibility in employees’ eyes. Good managers take responsibility for their shortcomings and work to improve. Those who demonstrate arrogance or believe their way is the only way will leave employees feeling devalued. When a manager doesn’t give credit and recognition where it’s due will demotivate employees rather than encourage growth.
Micromanagement
Managers who micromanage employees demonstrate a lack of trust. When a manager consistently appears suspicious of employees, it can lead to an uncomfortable work environment. Good managers trust their employees to do the right thing and perform to the best of their abilities.
Bad Attitude
Working with consistently negative or antagonistic people can lower morale, but this is especially true when the bad attitude is coming from management. Rather than encouraging employees to succeed and providing positive feedback, openly hostile or sarcastic managers can create a negative atmosphere for all employees.
Unpredictable
Good managers can remain calm and thoughtful, even in stressful situations. Those that overreact or behave angrily displaying outbursts of emotion create a stressful and unpredictable workplace for employees. Lack of emotional control is not an effective way to manage employees. Employees will not thrive in this type of environment.
If you notice these behaviors from anyone on your management team, it is time to reconsider your evaluation and promotion process. You will want to remedy the situation quickly, whether that be through leadership development training or removing the manager from the position. Keep your talented employees and give them the means to grow and develop under the right management.