Management Tip of the Day: Avoid the 3 Tendencies of Bad Bosses

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   AUTHORS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile AUGUST 4, 2010 Avoid the 3 Tendencies of Bad Bosses Being the boss is hard, especially when you need to counter the natural tendencies that separate you from the people you manage. Knowing what these propensities are can help you avoid them. Here are the top three to watch out for: Self-deluding. This isn't just a problem with bosses; the majority of people estimate their skills to be higher than they are in reality. Be aware that you might be self-aggrandizing and find ways to get input and evaluations that show you what your true skills are. Heedless of subordinates. Those in positions of power are watched carefully by those under them. But that level of attention is not reciprocated. When you become the head honcho, don't forget to remain curious about and engaged with your direct reports. Insulated from reality. No one wants to deliver bad news to the boss, so the boss often doesn't know the full story. Create a culture in which the messenger isn't shot, but lauded for bringing important information forward. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Some Bosses Live in a Fool's Paradise" by Robert I. Sutton. Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: RELATED PRODUCT Managing Your Boss Classic Harvard Business Review Article Managers shouldn't shower supervisors with flattery; rather, they should understand that the manager-boss relationship is one of mutual dependence. Bosses need cooperation, reliability, and honesty. Managers rely on bosses for making connections, for setting priorities, and for obtaining resources. It only makes sense to work at making the relationship operate as smoothly as possible. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Take the Extreme Question Challenge 3 Ways to Improve Performance Without a Re-Org Create Great Strategy with Stories, Not Plans Win the Sale by Winning Your Customer's Heart 3 Ways to Bring Out the Best in Your People Take One Minute to Control Your Temper 3 Ways to Manage Clashing Leadership Styles 3 Tips for Achieving Short-Term Career Goals How to Craft the Job You Want 3 Elements to Include in Your Next Change Campaign BEST SELLERS Guide to Persuasive Presentations HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials Financial Intelligence Collection HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself Guide to Better Business Writing Job Seekers, Take Note Whether you've been laid off or are considering a job change, HBR's Guide to Getting a Job will help ensure that your next move is the right one. Only $19.95. Buy now » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)