Excellent Question Pamela Lofland ! My first thought or pause in answering your question is this ‘depends’.

First let me explain my take on Management. Management and/or Leadership is a term commonly used and abused but it’s true meaning has been lost. Internally, for example, workers are promoted to management roles because they have a proven track record that shows they have great capacity to perform the tasks associated to their jobs.

Other good traits and behaviors like attendance, positive attitude, teamwork, and strong communication are also taken into consideration BUT, in reality, those say nothing about that persons ability to see things before they happen, plan, and most importantly develop another employees potential and inspire individual team members to be their Best!

Lets face it, work isn’t supposed to be solely about earning a paycheck! Our work experience should also be about learning, growing, advancement and reaching our goals. In battle, under fire, which is in my opinion a series of highly stressful circumstances a human being can experience.

Your first shot, is it directed towards your Platoon leader or the enemy? Bad managers, in my work experience, just need to get out of the way in order to allow me to grow and advance in the career direction I desire.

I try not to take bad management or leadership personally. It’s illogical and unreasonable to blame someone for being something they’re not or still haven’t learned. I look for other good leaders within the organization and try to establish somewhat of a mentor relationship or someone I can turn to if I have questions, concerns or need advise.

The Manger role has also undergone some drastic changes over the years as well. Today, 100% of a managers time full of tasks leaving them with no time for actual employee management. Managers don’t receive the corporate training they used get in the past. They too need cultivation in their roles!

So, to recap. How do I deal with bad management?

• Associate myself with other more effective leaders in the organization
• Refrain from personal opinion and/or judgement
• Seek out other opportunities within the organization
• Stay optimistic! Bad managers usually work themselves out of their positions

Thanks for proposing this question and concern to our community @Pamela . Let’s see what other Jobcasers have to say about this matter. Be Well!