Newsletter 20 - Learning from cartoons
The two scenarios below are examples of the small things that can spoil a team’s performance, even though they may not seem to matter. Use them to stretch your own ideas - how can their manager check what’s going on before it gets serious? How would you advise Mike, Jimmy’s manager, in cartoon 1 and Phil in cartoon 2?
When you have some ideas, see if you agree with the suggestions below.
It’s good to have to work things out for yourself as well as getting some possible answers that you can relate to your own work questions.
If you get stuck, here are some ideas to consider.
Mike needs to show Jimmy that he’s listening and is aware that it’s an issue, rather than dismissing his comment. This may be a symptom of something else going on in the team – are they picking on Jimmy? Is Jimmy difficult to manage? Is there an issue about him being a wheelchair user? Is the state of the staff kitchen a symptom of other sloppiness in the team? Mike needs to get more information and reflect on his own style.
Phil needs to ground himself, remember what his responsibility is, and stop worrying about how he might look to the team. They are all there to get the job done. The mood of the team won’t intimidate him if he gets the basics right – and even if he’s fearful, it needn’t stop him from being effective. Imagine some possible conversations he might have with the different team members, to convince them to reduce the chat. What might he need to check in his own thinking?
We use cartoons on the members’ site as an aid to real learning. They illustrate everyday experiences at work so that you can explore the implications. There are more ideas about power at www.newmanagersonline.net/newsletters/newsletter13.htm.
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