I laughed out loud when I read, “The 32 Dumbest Things That Real-Life Managers Said” in Geoffrey James blog. Here are my favorite top ten. Click the link to read all of them. They are funny because they are true! Which Tribal Leadership Stage do you think these managers are in?
- “Am I the only one around here with half a brain?!”
- “I’m sorry if I ever gave you the impression your input would have any effect on my final decision.”
- “Don’t worry, give it a try. You have nothing to fear but failure, demotion and termination.”
- “I’m getting a new company car new week. Please call the dealer and ask him to delay the delivery until after Wednesday’s layoffs. I want to appear sensitive.”
- “I don’t want to force this decision on you. It would be much easier if you just agree.”
- “I’ve already made up my mind, but I am eager to hear everything you have to say on the matter.”
- “I know there is a communication problem in my department. I just don’t want to talk about it.”
- “We have too many unproductive meetings. Please put aside next Wednesday to attend an all-employee staff meeting to discuss this issue.”
- “We do things democratically in my department…and I’m the ruler.”
- “Whenever you have an idea, discuss it with me first, and if I feel it is a good idea, I’ll tell the others. You must learn to let me get credit for your good ideas. That’s what team work is all about.”
