Everyone’s Replaceable – Manager Types

I’ve worked with and met many managers who like to use the phrase “everyone’s replaceable” and having working as manager for a long time I’ve wondered how apt it is. Is everyone replaceable? And do we want them to know that? My experience tells me: “Yes, it’s true, everyone IS replaceable in a way.” and “No, it’s not good to throw a phrase like that around your employees, because it creates fear, uncertainty and the feeling that the company doesn’t care about them.”

There are so many different schools of managers. Here is a list of a few types that I’ve encountered (they could be women of course, I just went with Mr because it sounded better).

Mr. Best Friend

This guy jokes around a lot. He pats everyone on the back. He gives ecstatic feedback. He becomes more of a friend than a manager. In tough situations he can get a little soft, but if he’s really good he will be able to take the heat from upper management without unleashing all of it on his employees. If he’s bad, he will dodge all criticism himself and blame it on the ineptitude of his team.

Mr. I’m In Charge

You will never forget who’s the boss. He will make sure you feel the power balance clearly by giving orders, stopping you midway while you’re talking to dish out his opinion (the law), and gives you the manager’s stare when he suspects you don’t really know what you’re talking about. If he’s good he will shoulder blame and give out praise, if he’s bad he will steal praise and dodge blame to elevate himself even further.

Mr. I Couldn’t Care Less

You’re two hours late? Shit happens. You didn’t show up to a meeting? There will be others. This guy couldn’t really give a rat’s ass. He’s given up on the company and possible himself and just want to get on with it and go home. How he managed to get a role as a middle manager he can’t even remember. He thought it sounded pretty cool, but quickly realized it wasn’t.

Mr. Natural Born Leader

This guy loves being a leader. He craves the center of attention and likes to be the guy holding the answers. He can be slightly annoying with this optimism, but if he’s good he knows how to inspire his team. Will shoulder blame, will stand up for what he believes is true.

Mr. You’re Fired.

Loved the movie Up in the Air because the main characters’ job is firing people. Craves POWER, POWER, POWER and sees people as numbers not humans. Ruthless. This type can be successful high up on the management ladder, but that’s usually short-term and in certain types of organisations – not long-term.

What other management types are there? Please share below.

Cheers / J.