justplainbil

Just Plain Bill

“Bossy is better.” Give me a break!

It’s taken far too long for me to respond to an article written by Stephen Sauer in the Harvard Business Review: “Why Bossy is Better for Rookie Managers”, but, “better late than never” as the saying goes, as respond I must.

I’ve spent well over three decades working both in management development and serving as a manager in organizations of different sizes. From both research and experience, I’ve learned a lot about the various theories of management and practices that are designed to enhance the “getting things done through others” process. In all my research and experience, I have not encountered any theory or practice that encourages any manager – new or not new, rookie or veteran – to be anything other than authentic.  

The conclusion that a manager might modify his communication style to be more or less “bossy” with his subordinates strongly suggests that a new manager should be manipulative. This is contrary to establishing a straightforward, truthful coaching relationship with the team. A genuinely helpful relationship is fostered on communication with honest feedback from coaching questions like “How do you think you are doing/did/didn’t do” etc.

The first study the author refers to involves video-based observations by business school students. It ignores the intangible and critical dimension of an effective manager: the relationship between the manager and those managed. This crucial element does not transfer well to a two-dimensional video simulation.  

The cited second experiment, while attempting to establish different high- and low-status roles, includes participants who had no investment in successful performance.

The author’s comment concerning whether the results “seem counterintuitive” suggests that the findings are just that: not based on quality research and experience – or common sense!

Finally, the article uses the term manager and leader interchangeably. While similar, they are not at the same. More on this topic in a future blog.