Sitting in an airplane, with daylight fading behind the tail of the aircraft, watching the city candles flicker in the valley below. Three days working with groups in San Diego, got to spend time with Ozzie Gontang who always makes me think.
As this recovery struggles along, I find myself working, more and more, with new managers and I am struck by the remarkable role they play in the fabric of our organizations.
“You have just completely redefined the role of the manager,” came the observation from the other side of the room.
I don’t think it was me. I think it was somewhere between Elliott Jaques, Wilfred Bion, Jerry Harvey and Lee Thayer.
“You are not a manager so people can report to you. Your role, as a manger, is to bring value to the problem solving and decision making of the members of your team. And you, as a manager, are responsible for the output of your team.”
Tom thank you, you insights and direction of Jaques have re-defined my practice as well.
Recently while talking w/ a group of VP’s – I shared Jaques on accountability of management being accountable for the out put of the team. They thought, sat shifted in their chairs. Then we discussed how this would add to the development & coaching + mentoring programs being instituted.
Mike, Elliott’s research does, indeed, create a 90 degree shift in the way we think about work and organizations. I learn new things about this shift everyday. -TF