Why do some companies hire in managers who have never done the job they are managing?

Question

My manager didn't work his way up through the company to become a manager. He was hired directly into a manager position. Maybe he worked his way up somewhere else. I don't care. He still has no experience with MY job.

When someone who has never done my job is telling me how to do my job, the result is a bad job.

Polly: you're wrong about everything.

First of all, I haven't been passed over for anything, so I have no reason to be bitter. And second, my boss does not get the best results because he doesn't understand what's involved. To get the best results, you need to know what's going on.

Answer 1

Dont you hate that? Try having a new manager for two weeks telling you you are overpaid and that she called around to other companies to find out what people in my position make...Shes not just telling me how to tdo my job...she is telling me she wants me gone and I have done nothing (but be overpaid) to make her feel that way.

Gotta love management politics. Thats why I am working on my degree in management...so I can be one of those ******* instead of dealing with them. :D

Answer 2

A manager does not need to know every detail about every job... their job is to insure the goals and objectives, and deadlines are met, in the most efficient manner, as well as the development and training of people.

A good manager will insure that you are ready for a promotion when the opportunity arises, whether it is inside or outside your department. In other words, if you were passed over for a promotion, I'd say the old boss did not do their job, as a good manager provides feedback, and more responsibility and visibility to people they feel want it, and can deliver.

It's all about leadership, not just a specific job. A good leader can lead anything. In business, you only get to pick your first boss (when you interview and decide to accept their offer,) after that, it is up to the company.

If you do a bad job, then you will not have job security, or financial improvements (good raises.) The ball is in your court.

Just my thoughts... I know you may not like them, but truely, you can be supportive of a new person, and do a good job, and feel very good about your contribution to the goals.

Answer 3

I have held positions of management in different jobs. I was not always knowledgable in that area of employment. I had different qualifications for the position that the business must have seen. Sometimes our employer can see more than we can on the outside looking in instead of on the inside looking out. My suggestion to you is if your employer has hired someone you feel is not capable of doing the position, the right thing as a employee would be to respect his/her decision and offer your help in any way you can. Sometimes businesses will hire people under qualified so they are trainable and not a know it all. However, If you see where this person is not producing and it is affecting your business owner or who ever did the hiring , your first responsibility would be to your employer and you would need to express your concerns. Keep in mind think before you speak and have all the facts in front of you.

Answer 4

Hiring outside is common when a company wants to have the best talent available. You might want to ask yourself, why didn't they promote me? Do I consistently exhibit the skills and knowledge necessary to be a manager? Do I interact well with others in the company? Am I a team player? Do I take charge when it is appropriate?
It is not prohibited to sit down with Management and ask what is keeping you from being considered for the next Managers position? Be respectful of their response and work on the issues they reveal to you.

Answer 5

Managing is a different skill set then perhaps what you do for a living. He (or she) doesn't have to know your job. They only have to know how to get the best results out of the people that work under them.

Everytime I've heard the bitterness that you carry, it's because that person got passed over for the manager's position. The only thing I can say in response is straighten up the attitude, or this new manager will eventually fire you and replace you with someone more willing to work with him.

Answer 6

You are absolutely correct.....in many cases. He probably has education that this management position requires and he should be able to learn the mechanics of the job because he has the umbrella skills.

Some times outside management is hired because they have good contacts outside the company the your company may need. Sometimes he is the owners, cousin's wife's nephew's brother-in-law.

Do your job and don't sabotage his. That will only hurt you down the line. And do like I did....put everything in writing and have him sign or initial everything he proposes or approves
and cannot come back later and say he didn't know anything about it.

Answer 7

You controll your own destiny and stop worring about why company does what it does. If you are unhappy with a situation then it's your own fault. I can see why company had to go out and get somebody else and it's because of your attitude. Somebody who is confident and capable would know why they got passed over. Stop complaining about life and start looking at things in positive manner. There is purpose in life for everybody and what is your purpose? If you want to move up into management then find out what you need to do and just do it. I know change alway brings some questions in life trust in your higher power there is always a purpose. Read the book " Who moved my cheese." I think it's time to move on either with yourself or from the company. Be happy with what you want to do and you will see amazing difference in yourself and your result.

Answer 8

I am going to assume your talking about middle management. The reason they are brought is that they are managers, they are not there to tell you how to do your job but to manage time and resources efficiently. This gripes many people and isn't helped by some idiotic managers who think they can do the job. It should be remembered that a good manager will not tell people how to do a job but look after the department/section to make good use of resources and time.

Answer 9

As others have said, managers are not there to tell you how to do your job - at least if they are any good at being a manager.

Read "How to Work for an Idiot: Survive & Thrive-- Without Killing Your Boss"
http://www.amazon.com/How-Work-Idiot-Survive-Thrive/dp/1564147045 and other sources.

A manager's job is to make sure you have what you need to do your job, to provide the tools and resources you need.

Answer 10

Management is a skill that is acquired through years of being one a good manger Can work anywhere