The Seven Habits of Highly
Defective Managers
by
Barry Maher
As
a consultant, a speaker and a trainer, I’ve hired, trained and worked with
managers at every level of management. The best of them have taught me most of
whatever it is I know about business. The worst have also been a learning
experience. But while the best managers cover virtually every personality type
imaginable, the worst—the very worst—seem to have a number of characteristics in
common. With apologies to Steven Covey, I offer this completely unscientific
compilation of those traits, The Seven Habits of Highly Defective Managers.
1)
They rely on other people for their thinking. Whatever
the idea of the moment happens to be, that’s what they believe. They’re not only
up on all the latest clichés and buzzwords, they pride themselves on it.
2)
No matter how much they may prattle on about openness,
inclusiveness, innovative thinking and tolerance, they insist upon conformity.
And obedience.
3)
Like a cheap politician, they never miss an
opportunity to talk about their leadership skills, figuring that if they
proclaim that they’re leaders frequently enough, someone might actually follow
them. True leadership, on the other hand, means never have to tell someone
you’re a leader.
4)
They believe their own BS. Or desperately try to.
5)
They’d take credit for the sunrise, if they thought
they could get anyone to believe it. They’re certain they’re responsible for
anything their people might accomplish—though failures, mistakes and screw-ups
are obviously someone else’s fault.
6)
They’re sure their own successes are the result of
their superiority and/or their favor in the eyes of God. Other people are lucky,
started with silver spoons hanging out of various orifices, or just butt kissed
their way to the top.
7)
On the subject of butts, in spite of all their
constant claims to the contrary, their actions are guided by the one overriding
commandment of their universe: To Thine Own Butt Be True. They cover
theirs, whatever the cost. Though the cost is usually born by someone else.
#
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Barry
Maher speaks, consults and writes on increasing productivity AND job
satisfaction, as well as motivation, management and sales. His book, Filling
the Glass: The Skeptic's Guide to Positive Thinking in Business was cited by
Today's Librarian magazine as "[One of] The Seven Essential Popular
Business Books."
©
Copyright 2004, Barry Maher, Barry Maher
& Associates, Las Vegas, Nevada
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