Average Manager vs. Great Manager: A Funny Take on Workplace Leadership

Picture this: you’re in a Monday morning meeting, half asleep, and your manager walks in. If it’s an average manager, you already know what’s coming—a painfully long PowerPoint full of bullet points nobody asked for. But if it’s a great manager? You’re suddenly laughing, engaged, and maybe even excited about the week ahead. That difference is exactly what separates the “meh” managers from the memorable ones. Let’s break it down in the most relatable (and funny) way possible.

Meetings: Death by Slides vs. Conversations That Actually End on Time

An average manager loves meetings. They live for them. Their slides have more words than a Wikipedia article, and they read every single one out loud like we all forgot how to read. Time runs out, nothing gets decided, and somehow they schedule another meeting to “circle back.”

Now, a great manager? They run meetings like a stand-up comedian. Short, sharp, and on point. They cut out the nonsense, keep things moving, and maybe even crack a joke that makes you forget you’re at work. You leave knowing exactly what to do—and with enough time to grab another coffee before lunch.

Emails: “Per My Last Email” vs. Clear, Friendly Communication

The average manager treats email like a courtroom. Every line sounds like evidence: stiff, formal, and always ending with “Thanks” even though they clearly mean, “Read this or else.”

A great manager? Their emails are easy, human, and often have a dash of humor. Instead of “As discussed in Q3 review,” you’ll get, “Hey, let’s knock this out before the weekend so we can all breathe easier.” Same message, but suddenly you don’t feel like you’re on trial.

Problem Solving: More Problems vs. Actual Solutions

Average managers have a special skill: they can turn one small problem into a five-person task force and three weeks of confusion. Someone forgot to CC them? Boom—crisis mode.

Great managers, on the other hand, simplify. They don’t panic. They look at the issue, fix it, and move on. Half the time, you’re left wondering, “Wait, was that it?” Yes. That’s leadership.

Feedback: Fear Factor vs. Coaching Comedy Show

The dreaded phrase: “Can I see you in my office?” For average managers, this is their chance to play the villain. Their “feedback” feels like being roasted without the fun.

But great managers give feedback like a friend with good timing. Honest, clear, and sometimes funny. They’ll tell you straight up what needs work, but in a way that makes you laugh and actually want to improve. Instead of leaving you with stress, they leave you with motivation (and maybe a good story to share at lunch).

Office Culture: Grey Walls vs. Team Spirit

Average managers see culture as free pizza once a quarter and maybe a motivational poster that’s been there since 2005. Team bonding? “We’ll do that after the busy season,” which somehow never ends.

Great managers bring the energy. They create an environment where people enjoy working together. It’s not about bean bags or ping pong tables—it’s about building trust, fun, and those little daily moments where people actually look forward to logging in.

Decision Making: Endless Approvals vs. Quick Confidence

Average managers need approval from their manager, their manager’s manager, and probably the office cat before making a decision. By the time something is approved, the deadline is already gone.

Great managers trust themselves and their team. They make decisions fast, own them, and adjust if needed. They save everyone time, and honestly, they make the workplace less boring.

Humor at Work: Cringe Jokes vs. Real Connection

Here’s the real comedy: average managers try to be funny, but it comes out awkward. Think dad jokes that miss every time. “Working hard or hardly working?” is their classic line.

Great managers? They know when and how to bring humor. Their jokes fit the moment, lighten the mood, and actually make people laugh. They don’t force it—it just comes naturally, making work feel less like a chore.

Why It Matters (Beyond the Laughs)

It’s easy to laugh about the difference between average and great managers, but the truth is, this stuff matters. Great managers don’t just make the day more fun; they make teams more productive, reduce stress, and help people grow in their careers.

An average manager might get the job done, but a great manager makes the workplace a place where people want to be. And when employees are happier, businesses perform better. Simple as that.

Final Thoughts

The next time you’re sitting in a meeting that feels like it’s never going to end, ask yourself: is this an “average manager” moment, or am I lucky enough to have a great manager leading the charge? The difference is night and day, and often, comedy gold.

Because at the end of the day, work doesn’t have to feel like work. With a great manager, it can actually be enjoyable—and maybe even funny.