Introduction
Anyone remember Match Game? Gene Rayburn would ask questions and make statements with a "blank" in them. Contestants would then try to guess wich word a celebrity panel would use to fill in the blank.
Here's a Match Game-like statement that falls under Expensive Management Practices (EMPs):
"Don't ______ the people doing the work."
I'm thinking of mass-producing a desk-topper with this printed on it. Maybe add some velcro and supply a few fill-in-the-blank word-blocks with velcro to place there. For managers.
The Usual Disclaimer
I never blog-plain (complain in my blog) about things that are happening now. I put at least 12 months between the event and blogging about it - most of the time much longer - to protect the innocent and guilty alike.
Back To Our Regularly Scheduled Programming
So how would you fill in the blank? If you're an employee, what word or phrase leaps to mind? How about you managers out there? What do you think?
The most polite way I can fill in that blank is to invoke something along the lines of modern interpretation of the Hippocratic Oath - first do no harm. Something like "tick off for no good reason".
If you're running a small business, you need to realize this may be your passion and zeal - but it's just a job to your employees. If you want them to feel any different about it you have to do something different (there's a crazy thought). If you want them more engaged in the best interests of the business, make them part of it. Profit-sharing bonuses, stock options, there are lots of ways to accomplish this.
But It Can Get Worse
There are folks out there who, for lack of anything better to do, enjoy messing with people. Some of these folks inevitably end up in management. Not all managers are like this. I'd venture to say it's a small minority in real life. But my goodness, the damage they do.
They cause small businesses to hemorrhage talent. They cost money. They burn time. They destroy - and all to satisfy some sadistic urge to "be in charge".
I can personally empathize with most people. It helps me understand where they're coming from and what they want out of an exchange / relationship. I cannot empathize with folks who just enjoy messing with folks. I don't know if it's a weakness or a sign of strength - I just cannot go there.
Hope
If you find yourself trapped working for one of these managers there is hope. There's a great book about dealing with these sorts of people: . The authors do a great job providing you (and me) with options for handling situations with these folks.
:{> Andy