Management by Abdication

“I’m a hands-off manager,” the freshly minted MBA grad said to her new boss about her new staff.  “I trust my employees to do their work and keep me informed. If you want more detail, talk to them.”

Excuse me, but how could a new manager in a new company think that is ok?

Wisely, this senior manager replied to the new grad that it’s ok to be a hands-off manager, but she would continue to come to her for information and hold her accountable for the work performed under her direction.  And, no, she would not be going to the staff for more detail.

No doubt about it, autonomy and empowerment in the workplace are truly important aspects of successful organizations.  But autonomy and empowerment are privileges that are earned based on competence.

A hands-off style of management is more like management by abdication unless there are key performance indicators to monitor the work and/or processes for communicating status updates.

Marty Stanley helps organizations change by facilitating visioning and strategic planning sessions that really stick. Contact Marty at 816-822-4047  or complete our inquiry form to see how she can help your organization succeed in the 21^st century.

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