Are You a Seagull Manager?

Seagull management is a management style wherein a manager only interacts with employees when they deem a problem has arisen. The perception is that such a management style involves hasty decisions about things of which they have little understanding, resulting in a messy situation with which others must deal.

What is a seagull boss?

A seagull boss likes to stay out of the details until there is trouble. However, at the sign of trouble, they fly in quickly in an attempt to appear as the hero who can save the day. These managers are motivated by appearances and attention rather than teamwork and serving the organization.

How do you deal with a seagull who is a manager?

Make a Lot of Noise

With the birds, you simply ignore the noise. With seagull managers, the solution is the same: ignore the noise and focus on reality. On occasions, the squawking has a legitimate issue at its root. Remain open to the feedback of all those you serve, but maintain focus on the facts.