As I went through our Leadership Theory and Practice reading this week and came across the leadership grid I tried to think of leaders or managers that I have known through the years and categorize them based on my perceptions. Impoverished management was suddenly difficult for me to place anyone I knew in that role. As described in our text Impoverished leadership is summarized as indifferent, noncommittal, resigned, and apathetic. With my dog by my side and my thoughts running I suddenly had an epiphany that had me chuckling and my dog questioning my sanity. Michael Scott from The Office, played by Steve Carell is a great example of impoverished management.
If by chance you are not familiar with this show or character here is a video called Michael Scott Leadership, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=El9kXmwP2sc. I think this video says a lot about the character and shows what I would consider both his dominant and backup styles.
Michael’s number one goal seems to be to avoid work at all costs whether that means playing games, taking personal calls, milling about the office interrupting people with nonessential conversations, making inappropriate comments, playing pranks on people, and there is always a reason to have the planning committee start their planning for the next work distraction. One quote from the video clip sums up his attitude about work, “I don’t want to work, I just want to bang on this mug all day.”
So what would Michael’s backup style be then? In my opinion his deep desire seems to be to have everyone like him no matter what the cost to himself. This is similar to the country club management style that is described as, “low concern for task accomplishment coupled with a high concern for interpersonal relationships.” (Norton) Michael just wants to be loved by all and that is much more important to him than to have higher production in the organization. One example from the video is Michael talking to the camera and saying, “I want people to be afraid of how much they love me.”
Anyone who knows the show probably has an understanding that the other employees in the office struggle as they do not have a strong task oriented leadership and it often creates havoc in the office. They do have times where everything is lighthearted and fun but often they are trying to figure out how and what needs to be done with little to no guidance from their boss. Having both your primary and backup styles fall on one side of the grid can cause issues, in this scenario both of Michael’s are relationship based and this eventually leads to their office being shut down. A leader that has a mixture of the concern for people and concern for results is probably the best case scenario.
References:
Northouse, P.G. (2016). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Los Angeles: Sage Publications
(2012, October 04). Michael Scott – Leadership. Retrieved May 25, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=El9kXmwP2sc
dxt5155 says
Cotton,
Leslie Knopes is a great example of Michael’s counter part!
You pointed out Leslie’s Paternalism/Maternalism style; although I think Michael is mostly narcissistic, he has a tendency to fall into the Paternal/Maternal style with his desire to be a part of Jim and Pam’s life, walking Pam down the aisle when they were married, wanting to have everyone over to his house for family like gatherings, his desire to be a part of Jim and Pam’s babies life, wanting to be all of their father’s with his “great” wisdom of sales. Maybe if Michael had ever been properly mentored he would have had a chance at being abetter leader?
Parks and Recreation was another great show, look at Ron Swanson….he may be another impoverished leader.
dxt5155 says
Shante,
You pose some excellent questions! Although I believe that Michael is under-qualified, I also believe it is bad management primarily. As you asked what if anything has he done to improve himself, I think the question alone includes the answer. I believe we all have choices and personal and professional development may not be worked on with you but rather sought out by you. Your questions alone show you have a far better understanding of the concepts and ideals of leadership than Michael ever did. I appreciate you taking this walk down memory lane with me and enjoyed your response!
Shante Walker says
I remember watching the office, I don’t watch it much anymore however, Michael’s leadership style does always raise ethical concerns. Michael does avoid work, rambles on and uses up other’s time. Is this just bad leadership or is he just unqualified. Unfortunately, Michael of the Scranton paper company is one situation I’ve seen far to many times? How does one such as Michael make manger, what development has he taken seriously to aid in bettering himself or the company. Yes, Michael does fit impoverished management to a T however, Michael and others leaders out there don’t even do the minimum.
Like most, they mean well, however this is where traits and skills come into play. Had Michael been shared several leadership approaches what might his outcome be? This is where organizations have to want transformational leadership over groups and individuals. Although the show makes me laugh all the time, its a depiction of reality, a cycle that has to change, where should we start?
Cotton says
Reading this post made me laugh and think of how great that show was but it also made me think of another leader in a sitcom who is opposite of Michael Scott. That would be Leslie Knope in the sitcom Parks and Recreation. If people reading are not familiar with the show Leslie Knope is the head of the parks department in a small made up town called Pawnee, IN. Leslie is a caring leader and strives to have good relationships with everyone in the community and at work even if someone is a complete dirtbag. She stresses the importance of work and brings the team together to always accomplish the job.
When applying the behavioral approach theory to Leslie in regards to Blake and Mouton’s (Leadership) Grid she definitely falls in the team management spectrum. Team management “places a strong emphasis on both tasks and interpersonal relationships,” (Northouse p. 77). Leslie strives to do what is best for the community of Pawnee and for her co-workers. In reading what the team management emphasizes she embodies the strong participation and teamwork to get the job done. She also exhibits the Paternalism/Maternalism style in the fact that she acts “motherly” to her employees. She is always there for her co-workers no matter how small the matter that is effecting their life.
Thanks for the post as it made look back and watch an episode or two of Michael Scott’s leadership vs. Leslie Knope’s style of leadership. For all those who want to watch here is a short YouTube clip of Leslie Knope’s journey in the Parks department. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6M85mBOUcWc
References:
Northouse, P.G. (2016). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Los Angeles: Sage Publications
(2014, November 21). Parks and Recreation – Leslie Knope: An Extraordinary Journey. Retrieved May 28, 2017 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6M85mBOUcWc