The Accidental Manager Crisis
• 82% bosses are 'accidental managers'. They are all title and no training. A quarter of these managers are in senior leadership roles.
• Declining quality of management is leading employees to dislike and subsequently quit their jobs. It is a key driver of the Great Resignation.
• Half of the employees who rated their manager as ineffective have been planning to resign soon. Moreover, one in three of the 2,018 employees surveyed have already left a job because of bad management.
• A fifth of managers aren’t confident in their own leadership abilities and many struggle trying to deal with sensitive issues facing their team members at work. This is also a reason why a third of managers are looking to leave their jobs in 2025, citing burnout and a lack of guidance as key factors.
A recent study of 4,500 employees and managers in the UK highlights these stark consequences of this trend, with repercussions that extend beyond the managers themselves to affect their teams and organizations.
As someone with 27 years of professional experience, I’ve seen this pattern play out repeatedly: Managers typically rise through the ranks due to their individual high performance and/ or seniority. They are promoted without the leadership tools they need, and their teams suffer the consequences.
Organizations must recognize that leadership is not an innate skill- it is a discipline that requires intentional development. The solution lies in robust coaching and training programs for managers at all levels. Leadership development initiatives should include:
• Training in emotional intelligence to handle interpersonal and team dynamics.
• Workshops on communication, delegation, and conflict resolution.
• Mentorship programs to provide new managers with experienced guides.
Conclusion
The accidental manager crisis is a pressing issue that organizations cannot afford to ignore. Poor management drives employees to disengage and leave, creating a vicious cycle of dissatisfaction and turnover. By prioritizing leadership development and equipping managers with the tools they need to succeed, organizations can transform their workplaces into environments where both managers and their teams can thrive.
The future of work depends on strong leadership. Let’s stop leaving it to chance.
What has been your experience with leadership in the workplace? Have you seen the impact of accidental management first-hand? Share your thoughts, stories, and suggestions- I’d love to hear from you.