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I get your points and not disagreeing that top down process and micromanagement suck. I guess I’m trying to say that a lot of managers are afraid to give the n

I get your points and not disagreeing that top down process and micromanagement suck. I guess I’m trying to say that a lot of managers are afraid to give the negative feedback they hold privately and even lament to their peers about. So some underperformers have no idea they are on thin ice until it is far too late. By being nice this type of management isn’t actually helping the person grow. Sometimes a blunt conversation works wonders for that one person on the team that everyone knows is a problem child. Sometimes the conversation uncovers the person is unhappy due to something outside work and needs a little time/space. Sometimes it turns out the person doesn’t like their current role and you can help carve out a better fit for them. Waiting for the annual review process to mark someone down or to start a PIP once forced to do so doesn’t help them. Anyway I doubt I was a good manager either and am glad to be a high paid IC instead.

xscott 3y ago
The few times I tried to be blunt it didn't work out at all. Hurt feelings, trust and motivation squashed. But I've got crap people skills, so it's easy to believe the problem is me, not that it couldn't be done better. If someone wasn't working out, I tended to sideline them and try to move them to some other group. It was certainly better for me, and honestly I think it was better for (most of) those people too. I was happy to see several of them find a better fit away from me. Being retired now, it's easy to think back on all the mistakes I made. I much prefer working on solo projects for fun.
- johndhi 3y ago
  Personally I've also tried to be more direct (ish) and yet not getting any change.
  - TheCleric 3y ago
    And sometimes that happens. Some people don’t want to change. You give them the opportunity to do so, and if they choose not to, you part ways. Just like if there’s something at a company I work for is unacceptable, first I see if it can be changed, and if not find another job.

xscott 3y ago

The few times I tried to be blunt it didn't work out at all. Hurt feelings, trust and motivation squashed. But I've got crap people skills, so it's easy to believe the problem is me, not that it couldn't be done better. If someone wasn't working out, I tended to sideline them and try to move them to some other group. It was certainly better for me, and honestly I think it was better for (most of) those people too. I was happy to see several of them find a better fit away from me. Being retired now, it's easy to think back on all the mistakes I made. I much prefer working on solo projects for fun.

johndhi 3y ago
Personally I've also tried to be more direct (ish) and yet not getting any change.
- TheCleric 3y ago
  And sometimes that happens. Some people don’t want to change. You give them the opportunity to do so, and if they choose not to, you part ways. Just like if there’s something at a company I work for is unacceptable, first I see if it can be changed, and if not find another job.