The fist of bad management beats the satisfaction, commitment, and trust out of even the most resilient employees. Each of the five fingers of the fist symbolizes a different way that bad management does it’s dirty work.
1. Thumb: Discouragement. Employees are to be seen doing work, not heard challenging or suggesting improvements. Bureaucracy stifles creativity and punishment for failure ensures silence and homogeneity.
2. Index: Damnation. All organizational ills are blamed on those damn crappy employees. It’s much easier to blame and flame than it is to partner with employees to fix crappy systems.
3. Middle: Disregard. Employees need to know their place. Management runs the show, not employees, and there is nothing they can do about it. Employees should just be glad they even have a job.
4. Ring: Doubt. Employees are not to be trusted. Without a way to keep a close eye on them, they will take every opportunity you give them to lie, cheat, and steal.
5. Pinkie: Dependence. Management does all the thinking and makes all the important decisions. Fear is the best motivator and helps control employees who for whatever reason think they can make decisions and take action without management approval.
Do you work for a manager like this, that shakes her/his fists at employees? If so, why?
What’s your experience with the fist of bad management? Please comment and share your thoughts!
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New Evidence on the Negative Effects of Bad Politics at Work
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Great post and imaginative. I would add
Hands in the face – don’t want to hear what you have you have to say and dismissive of what you have to say anyway.
Pointed Finger – many times accusatory and meant to “put you in your place”
Why do people work in this environment? Its easy to say they need a job. Thats probably true, for me its about courage and standing up to being respected.
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Bret L. Simmons Reply:
March 4th, 2010 at 7:48 am
Welcome, Peter! Great point about hands in the face. I wanted to do one with management picking its nose, but I ran out of fingers. Thanks! Bret
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I also thought of the “V” sign: “fit in or f@*! off”. Sadly, another common attitude.
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Bret L. Simmons Reply:
March 4th, 2010 at 1:47 pm
Is that universal of just a UK thing, Christine?
Thanks for sharing!! Bret
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Great analogy Bret. I am envisioning a heavy, rusty, iron gauntlet with spikes that is immovable and lacking any touch.
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Bret L. Simmons Reply:
March 4th, 2010 at 9:33 pm
Concur, Tom. Maybe I need to do the foot of bad management next
Thanks! Bret
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I like the way you described the role of every finger, it makes sense btw. I would have chosen “threat” for the index finger though.
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Bret L. Simmons Reply:
March 6th, 2010 at 6:14 pm
Welcome! Can’t argue with your observation about the alternative use of the middle finger. I think it represents a range of negative postures management takes. Thanks! Bret
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