I always say being a manager is one of the toughest jobs around, tougher than most IC jobs. But at the same time, bad managers have many more avenues to escape accountability than ICs do.
I greatly respect the good managers I know. But as a current example, one of their direct peers has spent several years driving off top talent, failing to deliver on goals, and is now encouraging others to quit in order to destroy their own team on the way out…and is currently on a multi month leave of absence! And their boss says “oh but you see I must follow process x” and “the problem has only recently gotten this bad.” All of which are bullshit lies to cover the fact that this toxic manager has been very effective at deflecting and avoiding.
I have to wonder about a job function that cannot police its own ranks.
I greatly respect the good managers I know. But as a current example, one of their direct peers has spent several years driving off top talent, failing to deliver on goals, and is now encouraging others to quit in order to destroy their own team on the way out…and is currently on a multi month leave of absence! And their boss says “oh but you see I must follow process x” and “the problem has only recently gotten this bad.” All of which are bullshit lies to cover the fact that this toxic manager has been very effective at deflecting and avoiding.
I have to wonder about a job function that cannot police its own ranks.