I sympathize with your situation. Over the years, I have seen dozens of small companies held under absolute, tight control by the top one or two folks who first started the company and are psychologically unable to delegate ANY authority, despite the fact the job of being top manager has grown so much along with the business that no human can hope to excel in every aspect of the job.
Old "Gray Eminences" who can project a certain amount of gravitas can sometimes get away with a "Dutch Uncle" talk with such managers, showing them the personal benefit of relinquishing some authority. I emphasize the word "sometimes" because even the best of "Gray Eminences" have less than a 500 batting average on this. My own batting average on this is somewhere between 250 and 300.
The worst part is recognizing the situation and watching it deteriorate like watching a slow motion film of a train crash - you know the outcome, but it's still painful to watch and even more painful if you are on the train! I can see why other "managers" (title, not fact) flee the pain and get off the train before the total impact.
My advice:
Every situation can be remedied, but not every change agent is the proper person to implement the change.
If you have an idea you can change the attitude of the top managers, try it.
If not, polish your resume and reread these two threads:
Resume and cover letter - How good are yours?
Tips to get past the "gatekeeper" when job hunting
Old "Gray Eminences" who can project a certain amount of gravitas can sometimes get away with a "Dutch Uncle" talk with such managers, showing them the personal benefit of relinquishing some authority. I emphasize the word "sometimes" because even the best of "Gray Eminences" have less than a 500 batting average on this. My own batting average on this is somewhere between 250 and 300.
The worst part is recognizing the situation and watching it deteriorate like watching a slow motion film of a train crash - you know the outcome, but it's still painful to watch and even more painful if you are on the train! I can see why other "managers" (title, not fact) flee the pain and get off the train before the total impact.
My advice:
Every situation can be remedied, but not every change agent is the proper person to implement the change.
If you have an idea you can change the attitude of the top managers, try it.
If not, polish your resume and reread these two threads:
Resume and cover letter - How good are yours?
Tips to get past the "gatekeeper" when job hunting
