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The Fine Art of 'Boss Science'
BoredStiff writes "NYMag has up an article that explores Boss Science and the minds of American corporate leaders. In the real world, bosses are known to suffer from a long list of social pathologies: naked aggression, credit hogging, micromanaging, bullying, you name it. Leadership research shows that subtle nasty moves like glaring and condescending comments, explicit moves like insults or put-downs, and even physical intimidation can be effective paths to power. Research also shows that employees tend to see the jerk as boss material. The article goes on to discuss some of the science bosses apply to making an operation run smoothly: 'A researcher reported that one law firm deconstructs its HR needs by personality traits. It insists on extremely bright employees who are also extremely insecure. 'They want them to think that working really hard matters,' he explains. Through this prism, personality types can even be mixed and matched to make a team function more efficiently.'"
What a waste of time reading this was!
Never once were the premises of the workplace questioned - why do you need a boss at all? If you have a system that makes it most likely that assholes will succeed, why not change the system? the article is just hand wringing, with a few bits of measly tripe appeals to "the human condition." Not once does this article even mention the word "union."
Pay them what they are worth, not what they think they are worth. If you do the latter they will start dictating the needs of the company according to themselves rather than what is right for the company.
Honest people are typically viewed as jerks. So yes, I think the best managers are jerks. They tell you when your S does stink, they fear nothing your insecure outburst might tell us, and they often dont bend on principle until a logical alternative that is conducive to the overall goal appears.
More than this, they lack the consideration for politically correct conversations that serve only to soothe your damaged ego. You suck- face it. You either work harder, get smarter (study) or get the hell out.
A manager is looking for winners. And winners are not whiners. It's uncomfortable, unfair, not right, you aren't speaking to me in a 'happy tone', etc. Too bad. shut up and win- thats all you are paid to do- win.
A manager with several different personalities on their team can hedge against favoritism because no one is looking over their shoulder comparing themsleves to the other. They are all saying "that poor sucker" and are more likely to 'help' each other and work collaboratively.
In the end, people only respect two things about their manager: 1) did I get my MBO/Bonus at 100% because he made it possible for my potential to meet that need? 2) Can I get my 4 weeks off as planned?
Other than that, people really dont need a manager. They need a freaking babysitter because most people are innately lazy and what differs from person to person is their own unique ability to disguise this.
Honestly- I dont care if I hurt your feelings, earn your base and enjoy your bonus. Have a nice trip and have your game face on after your vacation. Now get the F*** out of my office before I call security.
Do you often get contracts by telling people who disagree with you to "go to hell" and calling them stupid? If this is how you behave in real life I pity you no matter what you earn. You may be ambitious, and you may be skilled, but you have the people skills of a grizzly bear and no amount of money will fix that.
Eventually it'll affect your ability to get a contract too. I got my current job over someone much more experienced and otherwise suited to the role, because it was clear he was going to be an arrogant ass and fuck up the team dynamic. So I guess I owe a lot to twits like you.
Oh and by the way good luck with all that insurance. Insurance companies love to insure you, but I wouldn't call their coverage security. For anything major or long term they'll pay out if they have to...eventually.
These posts express my own personal views, not those of my employer