What type of manager do you work for?
I have now been in the white-collar corporate work force for about 10 years. In that time, I have worked for a variety of managers. Generally, I think there are four types of managers. Here they are from worst to best:
- Machiavellian Manager - The worst type of manager. Only thinks of himself. Expects anyone to report to him to be a pseudo slave. In the off chance he listens to your ideas, he will take the good ones and claim them as his own. He will of course make sure you take the blame for anything bad. Should you find yourself working for this manager, update your resume and pull the rip cord.
- Administrative Manager - Probably the most common type of manager. Generally, a person who has solid professional relationships with his direct reports. Primarily focuses on getting the tasks assigned to his teams complete. Mostly stays out of the way and takes care of all the administrative stuff like approving expense reports, annual reviews, etc. I consider this the status quo.
- Buddy Manager - Does everything the Administrative Manager does and also develops strong friendships with direct reports. Takes an interest in your personal life and buys lunch and/or a round at happy hour every so often. Primarily concerned with getting things done while also creating a fun and loose work environment. In my book, this is above average.
- Mentor Manager - Much like the buddy manager the mentor manager takes an interest in you. In this case they work at identifying what type of career path you want and actively help you get there. They also are capable of providing constructive feedback about what and where you need to improve. They are committed to your success and genuinely believe that your success is their success. Many managers say this, few truly believe it. If you find yourself working for one, consider yourself lucky.
When looking for a new job, try an get to know the hiring manager and figure what type they are most likely to be.
You are assuming that the primary task of a Manager is to improve the employees lot in work. It’s not, the main task is to improve the performance of work - to increase the output (either in quality or total number) and reduce the costs. In sum, do more with less.
In some industries that involves making the employees happier because they are the unit of production and are difficult to replace. But if they’re not the main unit of production (think of the steel industry), or they are easy to replace (think WalMart) then as a Manager you’re going to prioritise efforts elsewhere.
It’s nice to have dreams, we all have them. But you just work for the person - they’re not your Dad. Personally I’d rather work for a Machiavellian Manager who makes sure that the cut backs happen in another department, than a Buddy Manager whose too nice and gets shafted!
“A Manager”, did you even read the first line of this post? You know the part where he said “…been in the white-collar corporate work force.” Clearly, the intention was not to speak to the managers at Walmart or at Steel Mills, which would be considered “blue-collar” workers.
Also, I think you missed the whole point of “Machiavellian Manager”!! This type of manager would not only cut you, but the entire department if it meant saving his skin. Clearly you’ve never been witness to the death spiral at any startup.