Over the years, I’ve learned what to do from some very smart people. These folks took an active interest in my career and showed me the ropes. In fact, this site is based on paying that knowledge transfer forward. But, like most people, I’ve seen some people do the job poorly. For whatever reason, they weren’t a good fit for the role. I’m not talking about purely personality issues; more so they didn’t have the ability to execute on a daily basis. Let’s take a look at some of those types:
The Double Asser – We all know people who are lazy and take the easy way out. They can be so common that they aren’t worth mentioning here. The “Double Asser” is the type that does far more than necessary to complete a task. What’s wrong with that you ask? Time is a precious commodity and competing priorities are common. If you are wasting way too much time on one task, you’re wasting everyone’s time.
Too close to the recruiters – Recruiters are a necessary evil. When you need to fill a role, they are your best buddy. When you need a new job, you’ll need them to help you gauge the market. But they aren’t your friend. They are in business to make money and will do almost anything to make that happen. You don’t need to be buddy-buddy. Be professional and treat them with respect but back off the free drinks and tickets. Most of the time it’s restricted by policy, but more importantly, have some self-respect.
Can’t delegate – We get it, you know how to do everything right the first time. However, if you don’t learn how to trust your team and delegate, you will live in the office. Learning to delegate takes time. It’s an investment in your team getting up-skilled. You may think that doing everything yourself makes you valuable. It may create some key-man risk in the near-term. But in the long run, it limits your career and makes you look insecure.
Team of enemies – This situation happens where the culture of the group becomes so toxic that everyone hates each other. Obviously, this leads to discord in the team and eventually high turnover. It doesn’t get to this point overnight, which means that you have plenty of chances to stop this. What are you doing to contribute to the poor environment? Are you a jerk who only hires jerks? Don’t mistake aggressive behavior with just being an asshole. I have no problem with aggressive folks, just make sure at the end of the day, you can grab a beer with your team and be cordial.
Fifty shades of blue – Eveyone has had a boss or coworker who is obsessed with formatting to the detriment of everything else. Presentation matters, but content matters more. If you are in the office at midnight, trying to pick out the perfect cornflower blue color for an icon; you’re missing the point. If you’re doing this for the rough draft, you have a problem. Find the right look and move on to the story.
Chained to the office – This is the cousin of the “double asser”. There are no awards for being in the office every spare minute. We have a job to get done and long hours are sometimes necessary. Proving a point by literally staying all night shows that you can’t manage time more than it shows your commitment. Face time is bullshit. Dazzle people with your work, not your hours.
Doesn’t know the business – This is fatal to your career. Just because you “work in IT”, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t understand your business inside and out. Your value is created by understanding the intersection of the two disciplines. If you don’t take the time to know your business, you aren’t cut out for this career.
Mr(s) “Not my job” – This person can’t be bothered to expand their horizons or to pitch in. They look at the job as one that makes widgets and anything outside their narrow scope isn’t their responsibility. What they are missing is that expanding the job builds your career. You aren’t getting paid or promoted for the 9 to 5. You need to find ways to add value.
Let me remind you of my title – People who use their title as a weapon are assholes, pure and simple. The respect of your peers is the most important thing in your career. Work on earning it every day. Forget titles when you are managing down.
Let’s not change anything – This is the worst thing an organization can have. People that defend the status quo at all costs will never run a successful business. Yes, we all understand the constraints of the org and have to be realistic about the level of change that can be incorporated. But we have to push forward or someone else will. I once interviewed my grandfather about his successful career. When pressed for advice he simply said (sarcastically) “Don’t change anything. If you do people will come after you with pitchforks. People hate change but that’s where the rewards are”. I love that advice.
These are just a few examples of bad business managers. I’ll update this list as I think of more. Drop me a line with any examples you have.