I’ve had 6 different managers in my career

I’ve had 6 different managers in my career. Here’s the types I’ve run into and how to navigate them:

1. The People Pleaser: This manager says what everyone wants to hear, even if it’s not correct or even allowed. It sounds good in the moment, but it often creates conflict later when reality catches up.

How to navigate: Always come to them with a proposed solution. Don’t ask them what they would do. If you follow their off the cuff answer and it turns out to be wrong, you’ll be the one taking the fall.

2. The Big Ego: This manager needs the final say on everything. They can be direct to the point of being mean simply because they’re “the manager.” They believe they’re always right and can feel threatened by anyone who gets too much positive attention.

How to navigate: Never challenge them or ask tough questions in front of others. Do it privately. Let them do most of the talking in meetings. If people praise you too much around them, they may start to resent you. Honestly… there’s usually no real winning here. If possible, find a way to transfer teams.

3. The Always MIA Manager: At first this feels great because they don’t micromanage. But eventually you realize they also don’t communicate. You’re missing key information, timelines, and expectations, yet somehow you’re still expected to hit the targets.

How to navigate: Ask very direct questions about expectations and goals. Follow up with emails so you have documentation.

4. The “I Play Favorites” Manager: They clearly have a favorite employee and make it obvious.

How to navigate: Ignore the politics as much as possible. Focus on doing your job well and document everything.

5. The Level Headed Manager: Supportive, knowledgeable, fair, and actually good at their job.

How to navigate: Learn everything you can from them while you have the chance… because they’ll probably get burnt out and leave.

6. The Chaos Manager: Everything is urgent. Priorities change every day. There’s no real plan just reacting to whatever fire pops up.

How to navigate: Keep your own priority list. When they ask for something new, ask: “Which task should this replace?” Force prioritization.

Which ones have you encountered?