There are obviously no lack of lousy sales managers, as evidenced by some of the emails I’ve received recently. My advice is pretty straightforward, but I’m hoping that this post will show that, no matter how lousy you manager is, somebody else is worse off than you. Here goes.
A reader writes:
My manager thinks that he’s the greatest manager on earth. He tries his best to be friendly with everyone but is very biased when dealing with certain staff members, especially with those he works closely with. Sometimes he acts in a most unprofessional manner with staff members of the opposite sex. He laughs at things I say, although the matters discussed are serious. He keeps saying that I need to change my attitude and work as a team member, but I feel that he is the one who is causing the problem.
My advice: Well, you’re definitely not the one causing the problem. You’ve got a lousy boss who’s probably guilty of sexual harassment. If you live in a country where there are laws against such behavior, I recommend documenting his behavior and, once you’ve got enough to hang him, take it to a lawyer. If not, it’s time for you to leave.
A reader writes:
My boss is delaying weeks before paying my expenses. He keeps throwing up objections, despite the submissions being in line with our agreement. I am considering leaving.
My advice: I’d be surprised if you were considering staying. Look, if the boss won’t pay your expenses, he’s probably not going to pay your commissions, either. Why would you want to work for somebody who’s willing to hassle you over the cost of doing business? Get out of there as quickly as you can.
A reader writes:
Our manager is always delayed our sales commission using many excuses every time. What is your advice and what should I do to get my money?
My advice: Dig around in your files for any documentation about the commissions that you were supposed to be paid. Then find records of the sales that you’ve made. Take that documentation to a lawyer and sue the weasel. That’s really all that you can do. Needless to say, you should find another job.
Readers: Short of leaving or suing, is there anything else that works when confronted with truly bad management? I feel like an iPod with one song on it by insisting that people leave their job, but that’s about the only thing that makes sense to me.
