Working for 15 years in Tech, I have had my fair share of bad managers.
Here I have collected a list of 5 types of bad managers. Every organization, whether it's a startup or an international big name brand, has at least one of them.
Just try to count how many you've worked for and comment below.
1. The Micromanager
A micromanager is someone who excessively controls and monitors their employees. They often have a need to know everything that is going on and feel the need to be in control of every aspect of the work.
They are usually walking across the cubicles with a coffee cup in hand talking to every employee. Remote work has really messed up their schedule.
They don't trust you to do your job and think you need that constant push to perform.
This can be extremely stressful for you, as you feel like being constantly watched. They are the big brother. Don't be surprised if they install some time tracking or screen tracking tools.
2. The Ignorant Manager
It's a miracle they wake up every day and are able to drive to work at all. They have no idea of what they are doing nor any idea of what their team is supposed to do.
Ask any question, their standard answer would be “I don’t know. Let's get on a call and find out.” A simple yes or no question would now be an hour's call.
You always secretly wish that they get a job in a different company or get fired.
3. The Lazy Manager
They are the type of manager who wants someone else to do all the work. Mostly it's because they don't care enough to do their job.
Some of the best lazy managers are good at delegating their work and also at taking all the credit.
If you're ever working on a project with them, expect to do all the work while they sit back and enjoy all the recognition. Even if you try to screw up something, they would find a way to make sure you get the blame.
4. The Egotistical Manager
They are the managers who think they are always right and need to be in control of everything. They make all the decisions without consulting anyone else and then get upset when things don't go their way.
They think they know everything and everyone should listen to their ideas and appreciate them.
This type of manager is also very resistant to change, which can be a big problem in a fast-paced environment like a tech startup.
5. The Asshole Manager
This one is the special asshole who deliberately wants to screw things up and throws a wrench in the works. You would be in "the flow" and working on a task and they would come by and completely screw up your work by making you work on something else.
They want things yesterday and everything is a "Highest Priority" item for them.
They would take all the decisions, but none of the responsibility. If there is a fire, they would even push their grandma out of the way to get to safety.
Did I miss any?
What types of bad managers have you worked under?
Did I miss any type? Comment below.