How to Spot Managers that Need Coaching

We’ve compiled a list of ten early warning signs of  managers that need coaching.  Not doing anything has a huge cost for the organization and the productivity of the unit.  Consider an executive coach to help turn around a problem manager. Coaching costs are often a fraction of termination and replacement.

1. Provides No Recognition
   Effective leaders know that people need recognition.  Never giving compliments shows a lack of concern for others or just total unawareness.
2. Non-Verbal Cues
   Lack of eye contact, lack of attention, constant shifting, playing with their cell phone, and looking around the room, are all signs that there’s something more important than you.
3. No Vision
   Great leaders know where they are going and communicate their vision to their team.
4. Doesn’t Enable Others
   Great leaders help others grow and develop. If the manager doesn’t know how to delegate or doesn’t enable others, chances are they will never get much done.
5. No Listening
   If the manager’s ideas seem to be more important than finding out about your ideas, this manager probably is self-absorbed.
6. Distrust of Others
   A manager who consistently blames others , especially member of his team, shows a lack of trust in people.
7. Motivating with Fear
   When managers disrespect and distrust others, they resort to threats and humiliation.
8. Maintains the Status Quo
   Leaders look for innovative ways to improve the organization. They experiment and take risks.
9. Disrespectful Behavior
   There’s no excuse for unprofessional behavior.  Not returning emails, not showing up for meetings, not following through on commitments are all signs that this person is only thinking about himself.
10. Bad Attitude
    Certainly everyone has bad days, but managers who make life difficult for others need to be fixed.

If your company isn’t dealing with the problem, ultimately it will affect others, the organization and profits. Termination is certainly an option, but it may be a wise investment to help the manager with executive coaching as a first option.