Do you think you’re working under an incompetent leader? You’re not alone as many employees have experienced being forced to follow weak bosses. If you’re thinking that your boss is incompetent, it’s possible that you’re noticing cringe-worthy management habits.
While some may think that it’s not their problem as long as they’re doing what they need to do, incompetent leaders may bring you down with them, especially if you’re working as a team. A weak boss may not be able to help push the team forward. Eventually, you might lose your motivation to perform well as all your hard work end up not being recognized not just by the boss, but the higher-ups in the company, too.
If you’re unsure whether you have an incompetent boss or not, here are the five signs to watch out for.
1. They lack experience and are often absent
If your manager has little to no experience managing a team, and they do not have the guts to step up and exhibit leadership, your team’s overall performance will be greatly affected. It will often result in low team performance and other issues.
Furthermore, such managers tend to be absent during crucial times. They will try to avoid facing the problem, hoping that it will get solved on its own or other members of the team and the organization will work to solve the problem instead.
2. They do not respect people’s time
If your manager tends to disturb you when you’re on leave, on weekends, and after work hours, it means that they do not respect your personal time. Disrespect is a big no-no and it shows that the manager doesn’t see you as someone who has a life outside work. When employees feel that they are treated as mere tools, they tend to lose motivation.
3. They don’t listen
Does your manager love to talk? Good speaking skills is one of the most important qualities for a manager to have. However, if your manager only ever talks and never listens, then take it as a red flag. Communication is a two-way street. You should work as a team, even if the manager acts as a leader. He or she should listen to suggestions and opinions, and consider them sincerely. A good manager should also be open to hearing out his team members’ concerns, which leads to the effective resolution of issues.
4. They ignore issues and withhold information
Managers are expected to be at the forefront whenever issues arise. They should also have the initiative to solve problems. If your manager likes sweeping things under the rug, hoping that problems will simply be forgotten, then he or she is probably incompetent. Furthermore, managers should also be transparent, especially for matters that affect the entire team.
5. They don’t give credit where it is due or worse, they grab it for themselves
Of course, we want to be recognized for our hard work. Your manager should be the first person to show appreciation and recognition. If they don’t do so and worse, they take the credit all to themselves, then there’s no doubt about it. You’re under a weak and incompetent boss.
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Photo by You X Ventures on Unsplash
