Managers Who Suffocate Stars...

You've seen it before - the manager who likes to keep everything under their control.  They want to check off on all decisions and have a tendency to be the one to communicate all good news upward in the organization, which makes a lot of onlookers think they love to take credit for OPW (Other People's Work).

That might be true, but I usually think something else is at play.

I think that manager is scared.  Scared about the upward mobility of those they manage.  A little insecure about their abilities.  And most of all, unsure if they can compete in the marketplace of innovation.

Direct report showing some initiative and innovating?  For most of us, we celebrate, pushing the emails detailing the results and innovation around the organization as a means of recognition - and promotion.  It's our job to tell the world we have great people working for us who are capable of great things.

The scared manager?  No such communication happens.  Maybe it's been awhile since they viewed their business or function with a fresh set of eyes.  Maybe they're capable of innovation, but have decided to mail it in.   Maybe they're just scared that they don't have "it" anymore.

So they don't celebrate the success of their employees.  They don't promote.  They don't view themselves as a talent agent.  They're a bureaucrat.

And they're dangerous to any organization that wants to grow.   

Comments

[Sue Blaney]

Good post...thank you.

[StephenOwens]

I couldn't agree more. I know of a situation where the VP asked a 2nd level manager for some information and when he gave it to him, the regional manager called him immediately and told him that under no circumstance was he to speak directly with the VP without going through the proper the chain of command.

Anyone who knows this guy knows he is scared to death because his people are better than him at what he does. Rather than embrace and promote good talent, he tries to stifle and restrict it. Sad state of affairs I'd say!

Great post!