Management turnover is increasing. As it does, there are more and more managers in companies making business and personnel decisions based on ignorance.

A blissful manager is very much like a tornado. He or she causes untold damage and there is no way to predict where they will be destructive.

How do you recognize a blissful manager?

We all have developed ways of living in the world that we think work. It is our map of reality. We use the map to guide us in how to function in the world, at work, in relationships and everywhere else in our lives.

There is a saying. The map is not the territory. In other words, we need to keep assessing our map of how the world works and what to do to ensure it is closer to “reality.” We need to keep updating how we see the world and function in it.

A blissful manager is living with an old or unrealistic map. By not updating his or her map to the current company or situation, the manager talks about a reality that happened in the past or in a different world (at a different company.)

What would happen if you showed up with a map of New York City in London and tried to find your way around. Now imagine what it would be like to start to make changes in London based on your New Your City map. That is what blissful managers do to companies every day.

A blissful manager tells their staff, we did X or Y at my old company. He or she then acts as if it makes perfect sense to do the same thing in the new company.

What do you do if you have a blissful manager?

1. Practice your political skills. A blissful manager is not particularly open to a new worldview. However, if you can win their confidence, you will be able to help mold how he or she sees the company and the other employees.

Influencing a blissful manager’s view of the world can been used to successfully get rid of political adversaries as well as thwart unwanted changes.

2. Update your resume or start your own business. There is no guarantee that your worldview will win out with the blissful manager over another person’s.

3. If you are risk adverse, find a job in the company that is not affected by the blissful manager.

4. Recognize that the blissful manager is like an insane person. He or she sees a world that does not exist and acts as if it does. No amount of talking convinces someone who is paranoid that someone is not out to get him or her or that there is not a conspiracy going on.

5. Take charge of your career.