The Four Quadrant Managers

I've worked for all four of these guy's...

Mangers can be grouped into one of four quadrants along an X and Y axis. I discovered this truth the other day. It just came to me. Now I know it is a little reminiscent of math, and I did promise my high school calculus teacher Mr. Black that, in exchange for a passing grade, I'd never do math again, but I think he'd forgive me.

The two measures of a manager are “What kind of person are they” intersected with “How well do they know the Job they are managing”. By these two factors alone we can figure out the toleration level of the manager.

Plus-Plus This is the manager that you would willing crawl over broken glass for. This person is a wonderfully genuine human being who cares about his staff. This manager is also brilliant and can provide you real mentoring about your business. If you have one of these, you are lucky indeed. Toleration level: High

Plus-Minus This is the nice guy manager. This is a guy you can work for because he treats his people well. When it comes to the business however, he doesn't really know much and will rely on you to teach him how things work. With any luck he could evolve into a Plus-Plus over time. Toleration level: Medium - High

Minus-Plus This guy is a jerk. Likely an arrogant jerk as well. In his favour, however, he is truly gifted when in comes to the business. This guy has things to teach you if you can put up with the curmudgeonly attitude. It is unlikely that this manager will ever evolve into a nice guy unless visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve. Toleration level: Low - Medium

Minus-MinusThis guy is the beloved one. He has the arrogant complete lack of concern for any of his staff, and he's clearly inept when it comes to the basic knowledge of the business. He covers this lack by being a simpering obsequious sycophant with his superiors, kissing arse here, kissing arse there and spewing a litany on industry buzz words that he can't explain the meaning of. He is atrain wreck to your career, and in the long run the company as well. Toleration level: Lower than low [What I'm Thinking]

Why is it that the Plus Plus always leaves you behind? Duh, it's because they are that good!

Now if only I could get a Plus Minus or a Minus Plus after a Plus Plus (you never get another Plus Plus) moves on... but no, they always seem to replace them with a Minus Minus!

Why is that? Because the team under a Plus Plus becomes so good that they can run themselves for some time before a Minus Minus destroys the group.

I guess that's good management!