Management is not Fun

This is a rant about managing.  Actually, it’s about not managing.

My department keeps fairly busy dealing with the legal fallout from executives who won’t manage their direct reports.  Not can’t manage — won’t manage.

“We’re a hit-the-ground-running-lift-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps kind of place” is an excuse for refusing to do the boring work of staying in touch, mentoring and correcting those who report to you.

All of a sudden, you wake up one morning and your direct reports aren’t the superstars you thought they were (or hoped they would become automagically).  So you “right size” them out of the organization.  And then they hire a lawyer, and well, you know the rest.  This kind of “job security” I don’t need.

Managers, your people are *more* important than your tasks.  Please move them up the priority list.  You will be rewarded many times over with enthusiasm and effectiveness.

Management is not fun. Management is work. We’re paid to work.

Let’s give it a try, ok?

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