One Managers Journal

This is the real life journal of a manager I know. To read what this is all about, start here.

To comment on these entries, or ask questions, go to the Management Forum and post in the folder titled titled "Journal".

Number 3

Today, we had our first of what will be regular weekly staff meetings with members of the newly created division. The meeting was basically to discuss next steps and team assignments. The group dynamics, intonations, and facial expressions were slightly more interesting than the meeting agenda however.

For example, the passive aggressive behavior displayed by one "displaced" worker and the dismay and disappointment on the remaining staff's faces was interesting to witness. I almost felt sorry for the guy. Here's somebody earning a near six-figure salary (that's a lot in state government) for a vague, non-descript, cushy job that a former navy buddy (and state government big wig) created for him. And suddenly, HE'S being told to fall in line, contribute to the organization, be a team player -- basically, to do some work that matters (and he lost his big beautiful office to boot)! One week after the announcement, and he's still in shock. That sympathy didn't last long when I thought of how his behavior could be misconstrued as representing that of the whole group.

My fear is that once again the bad behavior of a few (three or so) will bring negative repercussions to the whole group. Not only do the players (the people who want this to work and are willing to do what it takes) have their work cut out for them in terms of developing our new strategic direction, we also have to monitor and police the behaviors of the bad apples. Oh well, all in a day's work.

Now, I'm off to prepare for a class I'm facilitating tomorrow. Haven't cracked the book, created a single flipchart, or developed a single exercise!

Continued.......

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