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Friday, November 10, 2006 |
So what would you think of a manager who assembles her staff for an impromptu meeting just before all leave on a Friday afternoon for an old-fashioned tongue lashing? Is that a way to build morale and team spirit? Or, rather, a way to let wounds fester all weekend and bring a surly group of people together on Monday. This is a true story. I have met the manager, but I don't have the type of relationship to offer counseling. She probably wouldn't listen (most people don't until it's too late--been there myself). This manager likes to make unilateral decisions without consulting the staff. Unfortunately, until this year, the staff was quite collegial and sharing group. Decision was made, oops, problems ensued, oops, someone made the mistake of telling her after the fact that they knew there would be a problem. So, an explosion. I have spies among you, she says. Boy is that a statement that builds camaraderie!
I worked in manufacturing for many years--for over 10 directly on the factory floor. I've seen tough managers. I've been on the receiving end. But, I haven't heard of this sort of thing among professionals for many years. Maybe I've been sheltered.
I've written about this situation before here and here.
I typically don't like teaching by negative example, but sometimes the negative is just too powerful to overlook. Think about this one. How would you have come into a new situation. Making major changes by letter? Chewing out the entire staff on a Friday afternoon? Or how about consulting with the professional staff? Discussing situations and asking for ideas from others while planning projects? I need these lessons to remind me where to improve. How about you?
5:07:12 PM 
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It is time for optimism on the ISA SP100 wireless network standard. I'm on the email list, and while I can't report on who says what, suffice it to say that rational voices are speaking out. There are two very real technical differences, but perhaps the committee can concentrate on the things that will make for successful adoptions rather than trying to decide between 802.11 and 802.15.4. That discussion will go nowhere. But there is much work to do.
2:55:29 PM
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© Copyright 2006 Gary Mintchell.
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