Managing the Manager

Dealing with a bad boss can be a complicated situation for employees. 

James Harter, a scientist for workplace management, concluded that 82% of the time companies do not select the right candidate for manager.  This increases the likelihood of employees dealing with difficult managers such as those who use intimidation, embarrassment, and fear to get results, ones that micromanage and demoralize employees, or those who are “by- the-numbers” and only focus on data.

Since many managers have the tendency to respond negatively to direct criticism of their work style, HR professionals suggest using the Self-Discovery approach to break through to them.  This method involves asking open-ended questions to allow the manager to arrive at conclusions on their own.  They will most likely be more receptive to their own ideas rather than methods imposed on them.  Also, it is beneficial to recognize the managers who are doing it right, as they will act as role models and inspire managers who are lacking.

Colleen Culkin, SPS Team