Most ineffective managers have one characteristic in common and that is they’re not consciously aware they are a poor manager. And, if they are aware of it on some level, they’re probably not willing to admit it to anyone, least of all themselves, simply because no one wants to believe that they are the real problem. This can probably be contributed to ego, denial, compartmentalization, self-delusion, lack of perspective, or some other underlying cause.

We all need to take a long hard look at that person in the mirror who brushes our teeth every day before placing blame somewhere else. When it’s happening to us, we put up our defenses. This is detrimental for both business and our management career.

Before you try to convince yourself (applies both to members of management and employees) that you’re the greatest manager in the world and your ability to be introspective is without borders, it is recommended you check these indicators of poor interpersonal characteristics or skills.

• Your team is underperforming. Sooner or later, bad management will trickle down and affect the entire organization. Whatever the appropriate metrics are for an organization, poor performance can usually be traced back to a management problem.
• Your manager is turning up the heat. When a good senior manager thinks there may be a problem with a subordinate manager, he’ll inevitably turn up the heat and see what happens. So if you notice your boss putting the screws to you, it’s a sign that something’s up.
• Allies are distancing themselves from you. It’s one thing for your employees to talk behind your back and for your enemies to despise you, but when your work friends and allies start to back away, that’s an indication that you’re damaged goods.
• You’re behaving like more of a jerk than usual. You may be in conscious denial about being a crappy boss, but on some level, you’re probably aware of it. That takes a toll on you, usually in terms of increased stress and anxiety that you’ll likely take out on others.
• Your decision-making is compromised. One of the most visible signs of poor management is poor decision making. After all, decisions are actions, actions generate results, and results are highly visible. Pay attention.
• Your personal relationships stink. Dysfunctional managers are also dysfunctional people. Relationships are relationships, period. And while I’m sure that some bad bosses are just wonderful spouses and friends, I seriously doubt it’s very common.
• Your employees are miserable. Come on now. I don’t care how self-absorbed you are, you know if your employees are miserable. Do they stop talking and look guilty when you walk by? Do they invite everyone else but you for drinks after work?