The Most Common Type of Incompetent Leader

If you are a line level employee that requires a lot of feedback (positive or negative) then an absent manager may be an issue. Many managers are managing other managers or groups of managers. I may speak to my boss every few weeks and normally only if I reach out. If you need a lot of direct, constant feedback you may be lacking confidence or knowledge/experience to do what needs to be done without a lot of oversight/supervision.

The higher up you go in organizations, especially these days with more work being done remotely, the less supervision/feedback you should expect/need. The key is knowing what is expected of you and having the ability to get metrics/data on your performance. If you are a self starter, self motivated and goal oriented etc. you simply don't need as much oversight/feedback.

Most definitely a growing trend.

I think it is exacerbated by two factors in the private sector, and three in the military/public sector. Private companies are becoming more aligned with "big corporate" protocols ranging from ERP, CRM and a host of other compliance and reporting software based solutions. Managers are no longer required...even PERMITTED to think outside of rigidly structured processes that "kill" innovation, initiative and even common sense. They're also limited by the supreme reign of litigation and "better safe than sorry" policies.

In the military/public sector, both are factors, but so too is a broader spectrum of risks associated with managing people at a governmental level.

Being an engaged leader means giving a d*#n...which can easily be mistaken for over-reach. Our society is driven by the "should I" ,as opposed to the "can I" mentality.

There are some valid points in this article. It made me sit back and scratch my head when I opened the article and the first thing I see is "Managing People" above the title. Those words echo throughout the article. It's evident to me that the author doesn't know the difference between "Management" and "Leadership". You manage things, you lead people. Some people make great managers, but couldn't lead a thirsty mule to water. There are others than are extremely good at motivating others to do just about anything, but can't even manage their own calendar. Until a person learns the difference between the two, they can do neither! To master both, should be your goal!