Why you should consider management style when choosing your next job - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Why you should consider management style when choosing your next job - Introvert Whisperer Why you should consider management style when choosing your next job A bad manager is one of the most commonly cited reasons for people being unhappy in their jobs. Nobody likes to feel overworked, undervalued, or unappreciated by the person in charge. However, having the right manager can be a very positive thing. The right guiding influence at the right time has been instrumental for plenty of people who have been coached or inspired to achieve great things in their careers. Whilst you cannot cherry-pick your perfect manager, most of us have at least some idea of how we like to be managed. I’ll run through a few different types of management styles, then offer some practical advice on how to make the right choice. 1. The hands-on motivator style This management style works best for people who like having someone else there to provide drive and structure.  Perhaps you struggle with self-motivation, or simply find it reassuring to know that somebody more experienced is nearby for help if things go wrong. The only problem with this style is when it goes too far and descends into micromanagement â€" nobody likes to feel like they’re under the thumb or not trusted to do their job. As you become more confident in your own abilities in a new role, you may want your manager to take a step back and give you space to develop. 2. The guiding mentor style Everyone learns from experience, and even those of us who prefer to work independently had to learn some skills from others. A guiding and mentoring manager could be a fast-track route to becoming highly skilled in your chosen career â€" if you’re willing to learn from them and take their advice. You need to be able to react well to constructive criticism and be open to learning from others for this to be a good option. Some prefer having the space to make their own mistakes and learn in that way, which is fine too. Most people have at least some worthy advice of life experience to offer though, so don’t be too quick to rule out working with someone who is keen to help you grow. 3. The keep your distance style Perhaps you’re the type of person who prefers to get on with things independently, and the idea of somebody keeping an eye on your work at all is stressful. This was always the category I found myself in when working office-based jobs â€" I always wanted to get on with things and then only ask for help if I needed it. Bear in mind that this kind of relationship with a manager is built on trust, so that trust will usually have to be earned over time. It’s not always realistic to expect to be trusted to work independently straight from the first day. You’ll also need to be proactive when seeking help and constructive feedback from this type of manager, and be a good judge of when it’s the right time to ask for help. 4. The nowhere to be seen style Maybe in your eyes, the best manager is one that is never seen at all. I’ve worked for people who are barely in the country, let alone the office. Whilst this may sound appealing, but keep in mind that if something does go wrong, the responsibility will likely be on your head. It’s also worth considering that it’s very hard to build a meaningful relationship with a manager like this, so when it comes to wanting something from them or needing their support, you may not be in the strongest position. 5. What about yourself? With so much work moving online, it is easier than ever for people to have successful and fulfilling self-employed careers. The pros and cons of being self-employed is a whole other discussion in itself, but for the purpose of this topic, it’s worth remembering that you’re never truly without a boss. You’ll still have clients, some of whom can be just as demanding and picky as any traditional manager. You can have a lot more control over who you work for, although in the early days you may find yourself working for whoever is willing to pay. How can you know what your manager will be like in advance of starting? You may be thinking this is all fine and good, but how do I know what my manager will be like before I actually start working for him/her? Interviews are stressful, so people often forget that they’re supposed to be a two-way street. You need to find out if a role is right you, so this a valuable time to ask about management styles. Here are some examples of questions you could ask at the end of an interview: How do you feel the company values are reflected in the style of management? Would you describe the management style as consistent across senior staff, or do people tend to have their own styles of managing? Is the day to day management of staff more hands-on or hands-off in your opinion? I also always suggest that interviewees reach out to employees working at their level because they will tend to get honest answers. The last company I worked for arranged some 10-minute chats with employees at my level after the official interview, which were far more useful for judging the office atmosphere. Another thing to remember is that there will be more choice in a bigger organisation. If you’re relatively junior it might be possible to swap teams or managers if it’s not working out, or try out a few areas of the business before you find the manager you really click with. In a small business, you will not have that level of flexibility, so be sure you like the style of leadership and management before accepting a job in a small team. Final thoughts I’ve had some good managers and some bad managers. The thing is though, what made them good or bad for me might be the complete opposite for you. Make sure you know what management style suits you best, and keep that in mind when choosing your next role. Author Bio: