How do I tell corporate, you're making a poor choice in leadership?

It could also be an opportunity for the aforementioned man to learn something and step into leadership. There are so many good courses and books out there. Is it possible to talk to him as a friend and diplomatically address the subject; perhaps ask “Do you feel ready for this role?” which, even if he says yes, there are ways you could tactfully say that the company needs x, y z… If he is needy, it might do him some good to do a bit of self-reflection and consider what his needs are, so that he can give more to the company and lead people effectively. Perhaps?

In this situation I would probably not say anything.

You don’t. Unless you want to be looking for another job. Suck it up.

Some things are better left unsaid.

Be helpful as much as you can. If he is struggling, any help from you could be viewed by him as something to be rewarded later. Keep notes about things. Keep a set of notes with dates listed, and details. If he doesn’t show improvement over the next few weeks in dealing with things, present your notes with your recommendations. Keep in mind, that what you do will probably put someone’s job in jeopardy, and you won’t know whose until something happens..

To add to what @Here2_4 said, keep in mind that you will probably put your OWN job in jeopardy, so as they say “clap it shut.”

If you think it’s going to jeopardize your own job, start looking for another position in the company or another job altogether.

If your job is secure, be helpful and let the guy sink or swim on his own.

Corporate has made a decision and moved on to the all important meeting, lunch or golf game. They are willing to let the guy sink or swim.

Look out for yourself…it’s nearly impossible to look out for the company from below.

SO MANY unqualified people make leadership, and I don’t understand why. My previous boss was an absolute jerk.

An anonomous (really anonomous) letter sent by mail might do the trick. At least they’d be warned.

It sounds like you want to tattle. Is it your place to tell?

Some leaders mess up so bad that they end up downsizing the whole place. That would be part of my concern.
Edit: If I’m not producing because my boss is so awful, I look bad, and that can affect my bottom line. I had a boss like that, and I did end up getting fired. He retired.

It’s probably not a good idea.

As @trailsillustrated so eloquently inferred, you might as well be asking them, “Find a reason to get rid of me?”

Management is not partial to being second guessed, correctly or not.

Get others to sign a petition stating so to back you up.

It actually is my place to have a voice in this situation.

I am the Senior Technician, in charge of all other techs. I have a right to an opinion in leadership ability and the person with the longest time with the company is NOT the right choice for the position.

@Pixidust It isn’t a matter of tattling. It is a concern of capability and the mental health of the candidate. I like him. I’m not undermining him. I don’t believe the job would be good for him, nor would he be good for the job.

I have cast my vote. I spoke up.
As of now, he is “acting manager” and seriously reconsidering his application for permanence in the role.

If your sure this is a set up for failure then maybe talk to the guy about your concerns, his potential doubts and remember, liking someone as a person IS always better than the corporate role one plays. Tell this guy how much you like him but are fearful he isn’t up to the task of leadership. DO NOT have others sign a petition, how humiliating and cruel is that?
Best to express your concerns face to face with the person, gently, and with the other higher management. Praise and recognition FIRST for the persons strong points and skills, criticism and doubt second.

@Blueroses: Please let us know how things turn out.