The term manager usually refers to someone who leads a group of employees. Thanks to this great responsibility, the person in this role has a great influence on the organization. One person is more suited to performing a management role than another. What characteristics makes a manager inappropriate or a bad manager in general?
Creates an anxiety culture
One of the most important tasks of a manager is to create a safe and trusted work environment, in which everyone feels safe and free enough to grow and to make mistakes. When a manager makes his employees feel that making mistakes is impossible, creativity and assertiveness disappear. This is one of the biggest mistakes a manager can make.
Does too much micro management
We’ve all been through them, the managers who can spend hours staring at the optimization of an article or a logo, for example. You don’t get anything really done and you can’t take big steps. Everything has to be checked by your manager. This causes a lot of irritation among employees who want to prove themselves and want to show something. Micromanagers must learn that this far too detailed checking has a counterproductive effect on the work of employees.
Does not listen and communicate
The importance of clear communication is great in almost any organization. Nevertheless, we sometimes see managers walking around who do not have this extremely important core competence. When the opinion of team members is not being listened to, no feedback should be given to the manager and there is too little or no consultation between the team and the manager. It is just waiting for mistakes to occur. Only by listening carefully and communicating, you can get your team along, because they understand the ‘why’ behind decisions.
Has no vision or strategy
Something that can lead to an annoyance in the longer term is the lack of a clear vision on the part of the manager. Each team member sets annual goals which in turn support the goals and vision of the manager. If a totally different course is taken halfway through the year without communication, this can lead to frustration among employees, because their hard work seems to have been in vain. A good manager knows exactly whether the team is on track, where they are going and is consistent in pursuing these goals.
Doesn’t stimulate the team
Characteristics such as positivity and enthusiasm are contagious and when they are present with the manager, the team quickly takes over from him. Unfortunately, it also works the other way around. When the manager does not give out a nice and cheerful vibe, employees feel this and this limits their freedom and work drive. Certainly, if they never receive positive appreciation from their boss, this has a major impact on productivity.
Is not empathic
Possessing a high empathic character is crucial for performing a managerial role. If you are able to truly understand your employees, both personally and professionally, you can become enormously successful in your profession. Empathize with your team’s wishes, obstacles, interests and dreams and know exactly how to keep them happy and motivated. A bad manager who is not empathic, quickly runs the risk of having work done by the wrong people. Ideally, you want to leave everyone in a team in their strength.
