The best managers are completely boring. They are absolutely objective, predictable, unselfish and non-political. They promote teamwork and build an environment of trust. They provide immediate feedback and don't make decisions too hastily based on their emotions. Technically speaking, they are "emotionally mature." But who would look for a dull manager?
All of you should look for dull managers. "It is time for organizations to understand that their best potential managers are not the people who stand out; they are not the people who self-promote and take credit for others’ achievements, or have mastered the art of politics and upward career management," says Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, a recognised expert in psychometric testing, professor of organisational psychology at University College London and CEO of Hogan Assessment Systems.
Emotional intelligence and integrity
In an article entitled "The best managers are boring managers" on the Harvard Business Review website,Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic points out that most employees are promoted to managerial roles based on their previous performance and professional skills. Their managerial potential is not measured at all or is measured incorrectly. It is not important how you measure, because there are many tools available, but what you measure.
A good, i.e. boring manager, is emotionally stable. Expert studies show that the best managers are balanced, sociable, friendly, flexible and reasonable. However, these are the opposite character traits of leaders that are generally admired, such as Steve Jobs. The fact that Jobs achieved such entrepreneurial success with such a low level of emotional intelligence is a isolated case, not the rule, according to Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic.
When selecting specialists who will become managers, you should examine whether they can solve not only technical problems, but people problems too. A good manager is able to connect emotionally with customers and employees. To do this, he has to know how to act with a cool head and, to a large extent, "strategically" fake emotions. Another essential personal characteristic of a good manager is integrity. The more boring the manager, the more solid the moral principles.
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