Magnus Marketing Blog

I am not sure how to exactly illustrate this problem, but it is one that appears over and over again. That is patterns of management or behavior that manifest and are destructive to organizations.

I mention this because a friend and I were discussing a situation that occurred with a manager we both had worked for. I had told her about his commentary and actions regarding my status with the company. She just listened and nodded her head saying that that manager was so predictable it wasn't funny. The same thing had been done to her...she asked for more money and was immediately slammed with irrelevant things that were not brought up earlier and questions about her performance, same kind of words and actions expressed to me.

I thought of another person who is the ultimate drama queen. Everything that happens is a major event, everyone who works with him is incompetent, he will complain that he wants lots of business, but if you bring a large opportunity - he will freak out and try to stop it. He will love you in the beginning, be your best friend, but suddenly when he decides you aren't producing or doing enough will turn on you - rather viciously.

I thought about my former boss, all style no substance. They continue to hire big names, talk a big game, and show nothing for it. This one too would love you and be your best friend, until someone with more clout came along and "better ideas" for him to claim credit for, then you would fall by the wayside - a used resource unworthy of a minute of the "business leaders" time.

I have patterns also. I demand a lot from people and don't recognize that my perception of "quality" is everyone's perception and tend to overdo things. I worry a lot over things that don't require a second thought. I initially do not trust people, until they prove themselves, then I trust them too much.

We all have patterns. Recognizing and managing them is the key to self improvement. None of those abovementioned people should be in management positions or running companies, but yet they do. The difference between a leader and one who is not, is self awareness. In reverse interviewing, candidates need to ask the right questions to identify patterns and make sure the company and boss is one working for, lest you too end up "used and thrown away".