Meet Sally. Sally is a product manager who is passionate about her work. She loves coming up with new ideas, building products, and working together with her team to bring them to life. However, lately, she has been feeling demotivated and frustrated. She doesn't feel like her manager is providing the support and guidance she needs to be successful. She's not getting feedback on her work, she's not sure what her priorities are, and she feels like her manager is not invested in her career development. Does this sound familiar?
Well, Sally is not alone, according to Better Works, over 57% of unhappy employees leave their jobs because of their bosses. This may be the person that they report to on projects or the actual owner or founder of the organization.
‘Absent leaders’ are not bad people, but they are simply not fulfilling their responsibilities to support and guide their team members. This can lead to a lack of clarity, motivation, and engagement among the team.
So, how can you recognize and tackle this problem?
Absent leadership is when a manager is not supporting and guiding their team members. This can happen for many reasons, such as a lack of training, poor time management, or conflicting priorities. Absent leaders may not be aware of the impact their behavior is having on their team, or they may not know how to change it.
Here are some traits of absent leaders:
Poor Communication: Absent leaders don't communicate effectively with their team, leaving team members in the dark about their roles, project progress, and expectations. This lack of communication can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and decreased productivity.
No Feedback and Neglect of Development: Absent leaders rarely give feedback to their team members and don't invest in training, mentoring, or coaching to help their team members reach their full potential. This can also lead to demotivation and decreased job satisfaction, as well as a decrease in overall team performance.
Limited Collaboration: Absent leaders don't foster a collaborative environment. They discourage idea sharing and don't facilitate brainstorming sessions, stifling innovation and creativity within the team.
Lack of Recognition and Empowerment: Absent leaders don't acknowledge or reward their team's achievements and efforts. This absence of recognition can lead to demotivation and decreased job satisfaction. They also don't empower their team to make decisions, preventing team members from taking ownership and feeling valued.
Dealing with absent leadership can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to mitigate its impact on your work and career. As an individual contributor, you can take ownership of the situation and make the extra effort to overcome the challenges caused by absent leadership. Here are some recommendations:
Be a role model for effective communication by proactively sharing updates and seeking feedback from your colleagues. Make sure your manager is aware of your progress and the challenges you're facing, so they can provide support and guidance.
Take the initiative to discuss your career aspirations with your colleagues and peers. Seek guidance on how to develop your skills and advance professionally. Don't wait for your manager to do it for you.
Regularly request feedback from your colleagues and stakeholders. This helps you identify areas for improvement and shows your commitment to growth. Don't be afraid to ask for constructive criticism, as it can help you improve and grow.
Recognize and appreciate your own accomplishments, whether big or small. Share your successes with your colleagues to showcase your contributions to the team. Don't wait for your manager to do it for you.
When presented with decisions, step up and offer your input. Show that you're ready to take ownership of tasks and projects even in the absence of clear direction from your leader. Be proactive and take the initiative to move things forward.
Look for experienced individuals in your organization or industry who can offer mentorship. Their guidance can provide valuable insights into the product management field.
These recommendations are within your control, and while it may seem unfair to cover up for a bad boss, it is important to remember that following these recommendations can aid in your career growth and prepare you for future opportunities with companies that prioritize selecting effective leaders. It is crucial to take ownership of the situation and make the extra effort to overcome the challenges caused by absent leadership.
Absent leadership is a common problem that can lead to demotivation and decreased productivity among team members.
Traits of absent leaders include poor communication, neglect of development, limited collaboration, and lack of recognition and empowerment.
Dealing with absent leadership can be challenging, but taking ownership of the situation and making the extra effort to overcome the challenges can aid in career growth and prepare for future opportunities.
Suggestions for dealing with absent leadership include modeling effective communication, initiating career conversations, requesting feedback, celebrating achievements, taking ownership, and seeking out mentors.
Don't let absent leadership hold you back from achieving your goals and advancing your career. With the right mindset and actions, you can overcome this challenge and thrive in your role as a product manager.
I’m currently mentoring PMs so feel free to book a FREE consultation call if you need help with absent leadership or any other topic related to your PM career.
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