Boss but not Bossy ©2002 Dr. B. C. Paul

Work Place Momentum  The top takes off and hits home runs  The middle brings new strength and spirit to the work place  When 90% of the workforce is moving in one direction - peer pressure will fix the “won’t get with the program people” – The Wabash Parking Lot story

Preventing Chaos  If people are going to take charge they have to know what they’re suppose to take charge of and then be free to do it.  Spirit of the Squirrel establishes a framework of shared goals  Most people naturally work together – Try to find out what your team does naturally and try to adapt the organization to use the natural strength Many people build an organization and try to adapt the people to the organization and then wonder why people don’t feel motivated or buy-in

Boss without being Bossy  Need to have own self-esteem – can’t come from jerking the levers on others  Problem - what's’ worse than one bossy boss  Everyone wanting to be boss – Manager sets the values of the organization – By listening to and responding to workers you set the example for others. – Beavers don’t manage each others work either – one of the ways you need to insist on behavior of others

Creating an Environment of Mutual Respect  As part of getting buy-in you have established an open environment of trust – This also means everyone has access to the latest information Information needed to make good decisions can’t be confidential  Information and ideas flow up from the ranks – many times they know the front lines better – If you value and respond to the ideas of your team - other team members are more likely to also