In recruitment, your manager can make or break your experience. Some will inspire you, some will frustrate you – and some will teach you exactly what not to do when you lead a team one day.
The key to thriving? Learn how to manage up. Whether you’re working with a high-performing Savant or navigating the chaos of a Devil Incarnate, understanding their style can help you adapt, protect your growth, and keep your sanity intact.
Here’s a breakdown of the manager archetypes we’ve all seen (or survived!)—and how to work smart with each one.
The Savant
This manager is an absolute industry expert—someone who has likely done the job or has been in the industry long enough to know everyone. Business development (BD) is effortless for them, and they’re usually mega billers. They possess an immense amount of knowledge and experience.
Challenges: They often struggle to explain their success, making them more of a “do as I do” rather than “do as I say” leader. They can be time-limited, easily frustrated, and have very high expectations for the quality of work.
How to work with this leader: Appreciate their expertise, but be prepared to learn by observation rather than formal training. Their feedback may be brief, but their actions speak volumes. To thrive, be self-sufficient and take initiative, showing you’re willing to put in the work and elevate your skillset.
The Classically Trained Manager
This manager is highly operational and focuses on team size and performance. They’re strong at training, often following established methods. They may not be as experienced at BD as the Savant, but they’re incredibly valuable in helping newer recruiters learn the ropes.
Challenges: While great for beginners, they may struggle to adapt as you grow in your career, and you may feel like they take credit for your successes without doing much themselves.
How to work with these managers: This is the perfect environment for new recruiters to learn the fundamentals. As you grow, it can become frustrating if you feel like you’re outgrowing them. Be sure to network with the layer above them to ensure you continue to receive recognition for your growth while still benefiting from their guidance.
The Micro Manager
This type of manager often emerges from new management roles or those who struggle to delegate. They constantly check on your progress, ask for reports, and micromanage your every move. They believe this helps improve performance, but it can feel suffocating.
Challenges: Constant oversight can stifle creativity and autonomy. Their questions and requests may seem excessive, leading to frustration.
How to work with this manager: If you’re being micromanaged, first determine if it’s due to performance issues or their own lack of trust. Have an open conversation with them to establish clear expectations and build a reporting structure that makes the experience more manageable while still demonstrating your performance.
The Buddy
This manager is overly friendly and people-pleasing. They avoid conflict at all costs and prefer to be liked by their team. They’ll defend you against any challenges but may also avoid difficult conversations. While this can feel great in the short term, it may hinder your growth in the long run.
Challenges: They might not call you out when you’re underperforming, and they could be hesitant to give constructive criticism. This can lead to a lack of discipline, and you may be caught off guard if a sudden firing occurs due to performance issues.
How to work with this manager: Enjoy the camaraderie but be cautious. If you’re not meeting expectations, be proactive in asking for feedback. Build a relationship with others in the team or higher up who can help guide your career development, even if your manager is not providing the necessary constructive criticism.
The Devil Incarnate
This manager is angry, shouty, and demanding. They push you hard, sometimes irrationally, and their behavior can be toxic. While you may grow from the pressure, the environment may also take a toll on your mental health.
Challenges: Constant negativity and aggression can make the workplace stressful and unhealthy. If you’re not growing under this leader, it’s a clear sign to move on.
How to work with this manager: If you’re growing and the pressure is driving results, stick with it. But if it’s negatively affecting your mental health or stifling your development, don’t hesitate to leave. A toxic work environment is not worth sacrificing your well-being.
The Charismatic Leader
This manager has tons of personality and commands respect effortlessly. They’re passionate, fair, and articulate, inspiring loyalty and high performance in their team. Staff would follow them to the end of the earth. They lead by their passion and vision, making them very effective in getting the team motivated.
Challenges: The downfall of this leader is that they may stifle the growth of their team. There may be limited paths to promotion, with many waiting for their chance to rise up.
How to work with this manager: Enjoy the energy and enthusiasm they bring, but be mindful of your career trajectory. If you’re waiting for a promotion, make sure to keep your ambitions known and seek opportunities outside the immediate team if needed.
The Never Leaver
This manager is the ultimate survivor in the workplace, having been with the company for years. They know how to stay relevant without pushing boundaries, playing the politics game well, and avoiding firing ranges. They are the last person standing and have weathered all the storms.
Challenges: They may be resistant to change or innovation, and their political maneuvering may sometimes take priority over performance.
How to work with this manager: Learn from their ability to survive in any environment, but don’t let their complacency hold you back. Push for progress and keep your focus on your own development while leveraging their experience when necessary
At the end of the day, you don’t always get to choose your manager—but you can choose how you respond. The recruiters who grow the fastest aren’t just good at the job—they’re good at reading the room, managing up, and protecting their own development.
So whether you’re riding the wave or grinding through a rough patch, remember: every manager teaches you something. Learn the lesson, play the game smart, and keep your eyes on where you want to go.
