Top Ten Reasons to Deal with the Demon Manager

Demon managers’ aggressive and inflexible ways cause trouble in lots of forms, including anxiety, conflict, or grievances. But too often senior management can’t seem to get around to dealing with the issue. If you have a demon manager in your organisation, here are a few good reasons why you should take action.

1. They cost money in staff turnover.
Unhappy employees vote with their feet. They cost a lot to replace, estimates range up to 60% of someone’s salary. As the social leaders in a group leave, it loses cohesiveness, and further losses are likely.

2. They can cause sleeplessness.
Senior managers often worry about the stress, conflict and chaos that the demon manager causes.

3. They cost money externally
Their rude behaviour can cause the loss of clients or service providers who refuse to do business with your company.

4. They cost money internally.
Employees cooperate grudgingly or not at all. They rarely offer extra effort or creativity. There is an increased risk of sabotage or client hijacking when they leave.

5. They cost in time.
Senior managers are often required to put out fires, mediate, solve problems, and soothe egos, all this takes time.

6. They may put you at risk of litigation.
Many countries regard such people as a stress hazard, and require management to address the problem. They may also be the subject of personal grievance procedures, which may again imply company liability.

7. They can give your company a reputation as a bad place to work.
It can therefore be hard to recruit new employees. The best ones can afford to look elsewhere. Absenteeism can also be a sign that a demon manager is at large.

8. They can give you a reputation as a poor manager.
Failure to address the problem seems like either condoning the behaviour, or being incapable of stopping it- neither is a good look.

9. Ethics
Allowing your employees to be treated badly is unethical.

10. Maximize potential
Often the demon manager is an extremely hardworking, talented individual and potentially a great asset for the company. Their own productivity would be enhanced if they could get the best from the teams they work with. They can also find greater satisfaction in better working relationships.

If you think you need to take action, check out our RESTORE Program(TM) for the turnaround of problem managers.