Is finding a new manager really the answer?

There are few things I have a difficult time tolerating and that is people who complain about their boss. We should give them a nickname such as Boss Bitchers or something. I’ve got a few of these friends in my life and inevitably the subject comes up when we are together and it’s about how much stress they have from their job and it’s usually because they have a toxic manager or boss.

A new survey proves the level of their dissatisfaction. As the saying goes, “people don’t leave companies, they leave managers” and it’s true. Many toxic bosses have chased people away from their jobs- I can certainly name a few myself.

Why is this happening? If you glance at my new hotlist for 2008, you’ll notice that innovative managers are in and toxic bosses are out. Managers must check their egos at the door, stop pointing a finger and start developing themselves. Bill Caskey’s blog has a great post titled, “Is Your Salesforce Underperforming?” One of the managers I’m coaching mentioned that he would like to be “in the closet” with our coaching relationship. He said his team mocks him when he walks into a conference room with me for our coaching session.

The biggest gift you can give yourself and others is to commit to your self-development. Gaining insight on yourself and how you impact those around you is the gift of truth. It’s never too late and you are not too senior to work on this.  Managing the way you’ve always managed before is no longer acceptable. Read and learn from some of the best-selling management books, attend training sessions and work with a personal coach to help you be the best.

Strive to become the managers everyone follows around, the mentor that has shaped people’s lives, the leader that has fought the tough battles. Be humble, truthful and ethical.