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Ducks In A Row: The Unwitting Puppet master

by Miki Saxon

ducks_in_a_rowA client called and during the conversation he complained about his receptionist. He said he was close to firing her, but would prefer a different outcome; he thought a third party could help resolve the problems.

When I asked “Jack” what the problem was he said that “Judy” was disrupting the culture and refused to do her work as expected. For example, she insisted on having two pencil cups on her desk; he preferred organizing his desk based on Feng Shui principles and that two cups were nothing but clutter. He had explained this to Judy to no avail.

This is an extreme example of the puppetmaster mentality, but not counting the micromanager who really believes her’s is the only way, I’m willing to bet you have been on the giving or receiving end of this attitude, if not both, at some point—most of us have.

Whether you consider yourself a leader, a manager or leadager, yours is not the only way—or even the best.

There are many ways to approach a task or goal. Some may seem more efficient, but, in fact, will lower productivity if they are counter-intuitive for a particular worker.

As long as the task is done or the goal achieved ethically, on time and in budget the route to accomplishment doesn’t matter.

Forcing your approach on your team forces them to become puppets.

That makes them dependent on you for all creativity, innovation and productivity—at least until they resign.

Flickr image credit: ZedBee | Zoë Power

One Response to “Ducks In A Row: The Unwitting Puppet master”
  1. April Round-Up: A Leader Builds Connections and Teams | Becky Robinson – Weaving Influence Says:

    […] Saxon encourages team leaders to allow people to express their individuality in this post (it also contains a cool video.) Don't miss […]

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