Working at the end (or almost) of the managerial hierarchy might leave you cursing your top superiors more than your total aggregate compliments made to everyone in your whole life.
But behind those anger and dismay, are those stigmas about the management really true? I will share with you the top 10 myths about the top management personnel, based on the buzz around our corporate culture.
Myth #1: Management will cut your pay to increase theirs.
Management will find each and every microscopic cost that they can possibly and impossibly reduce from their lower level employees' financial perks. Your monthly pay, annual raise, overtime claims, travel allowance, dental coverage, and even your allocations for post-it notes.
Why? By reducing his or her division's or department's cost, it will positively reflect their commitments towards the company's 'efficiency'.
This in turn is hoped to delight the company directors, which subsequently will raise the management salary for a job well done. "Indispensable!", to the director's delight. The myth is generally popular on Human Resource directors and managers.
The Truth : As per myth. Especially the last part.
Myth #2: Managers will shift the blame on their failures to their subordinates.
If their decisions are frowned upon by the directors, they will quickly point their smoking gun to you. "You made me look like a fool in front of our directors!" or "You should've stay back to finish your work you hoodwink!" and even "My failure reflects your incompetence as my team member"
The Truth: As per myth. Especially during meetings with other departments.
Myth #3: Managers will claim all your intelligence and hard work as theirs.
In the event of success, all your workaholic attitude and gifted assets will be claimed as their sole property in front of the directors. "I stayed late last night just to deliver my best for this report." They may even proceed to discrediting your effort, mentioning their tireless lectures and continuous monitoring on your attitude.
The truth: As per myth. Creative commons doesn't work here.
Myth #4: Managers can always come late, but not you.
As no other managers can directly monitor his or her behavior, managers can always dash in and out of the office freely. They always have 'concrete' excuses, although similar as yours, but with a better exaggeration - enough to form an actual concrete slab.
"I woke up late this morning because my sons were too noisy watching the F.A cup final last night. I couldn't sleep, so I joined them. You know kids nowadays...you have to find the way into their heart. That was reverse psychology, hopefully they'll understand. We leaders, we must think differently. Someday when you're in my position, you'll be thankful for my advice. My wife was initially confused with blah...blah...blah... (on to other unrelated but cheerful topics)."
The truth: As per myth. They exaggerate better than you do (try harder!).
Myth #5: Managers like flattering remarks.
If you've missed your deadline for a specific task or your morning punch-in, you can bloat your manager with over-hyped, outrageously-sentenced but carefully-crafted compliments which is beautifully transitioned from your initial excuse. Flattered managers always let you off the hook. And may even give you a raise.
The Truth: As per myth. Polish your polishing skill now.
Related post:
Things to do to impress your boss when you don't deserve it
Quicker meetings please!
How to handle your raging boss
C.E.O., Gobloc Insulting
