You can't choose between tyranny and the lax attitude. You need both.
Some managers say people want to get by with as little as possible, and need constant motivation and direction. Others say people really want to do a good job and be proud of their work.
Both are right at different times or with different people. Your job as a manager is to figure out when to do what with whom.
You need to be able to do both. Most of the time I side with those who say people just need to be shown the way. Sometimes, though, I have to be very directive.
Be responsive to the situation (and always be positive....something I could use more of). Recognize when you are doing one style or the other (lax or micromanager)--and even acknowledge it to those who say "Why do you treat me like this and you treat him like that?"
And do what you feel you are best at. If that does not work, learn from your mistakes. But remember, you have to be true to yourself. To learn and adjust is one thing. To abandon yourself is not worth it.
And yes, there are lots of books about this. And no, none of them are worth more than good common sense and the golden rule.
Alex
Some managers say people want to get by with as little as possible, and need constant motivation and direction. Others say people really want to do a good job and be proud of their work.
Both are right at different times or with different people. Your job as a manager is to figure out when to do what with whom.
You need to be able to do both. Most of the time I side with those who say people just need to be shown the way. Sometimes, though, I have to be very directive.
Be responsive to the situation (and always be positive....something I could use more of). Recognize when you are doing one style or the other (lax or micromanager)--and even acknowledge it to those who say "Why do you treat me like this and you treat him like that?"
And do what you feel you are best at. If that does not work, learn from your mistakes. But remember, you have to be true to yourself. To learn and adjust is one thing. To abandon yourself is not worth it.
And yes, there are lots of books about this. And no, none of them are worth more than good common sense and the golden rule.
Alex
