Management: A Horror Story

While waiting in line at a sandwich shop, I overheard a conversation in the dining area between a manager and a worker. The conversation went something like this:

Manager: Why would you do that!? What makes you think you could do that!?

Worker: *Holds head down*

Manager: If I ask you something you just need to tell me!

The manager then dismisses the girl, who appeared to be a just teenager. In the dining area seated across from the manager was who appeared to be the district manager. After the young girl walked away, the manager tells district manager the last time she had an exchange with the girl she was in tears and the manager chuckles. The district manager said nothing to the manager about her behavior. The workers behind the counter seemed disgusted, glared at the manager while shaking their heads, and one of them left to check on the young girl.

Any management specialist would find several things wrong with story, along with most decent human beings. Here are the obvious:

• ·         Never speak to your workers about an issue in front of your customers
• ·         If avoidable, do not speak to your workers in front of other workers about their performance
• ·         Making a worker cry isn’t something to boast about, it’s actually shameful
• ·         Teenage workers need special care. They are new to the working environment and hormonal!

Needless to say, this manager and district manager need further management training. The chain may need to revamp their current training curriculum. The way they manage will not lead to a positive working environment and will lead to a high turnover ratio.

Watching this exchange reminded me of the many poor management experiences I have had throughout my career. From the manager who sabotages to protect her job, to the drunk that everyone is afraid to even speak to some days, to the manager that has exempt status who comes in at 10 a.m. goes to lunch and leaves at 2 p.m. What many companies don't realize is just because someone is a good worker doesn't automatically translate to a good manager. Being a good manager takes special training, not just in the companies services or products but also how to motivate different personality types and get the best out of your workers everyday.

I know I have many more horror stories but I'd like to read about yours. Please share your management horror story with us in by commenting below.