Politics in the workplace

 

Greg’s has difficulty developing sustained, respectful relationships with some of his employees.  He commented that his property manager Tom would rarely put into action Greg’s suggestions unless Tom saw validity in the suggestions.  Greg mentioned he resorts to asking the owner, Bruce, to talk to Tom when Tom ignores Greg’s suggestions.  In addition to difficulties with Tom, Greg also alluded to the short-term employment of the last two administrative assistants due to them not seeing eye to eye with himself.

These examples speak to Greg ‘s task oriented approach to leadership.  Getting the job done his way remains Greg’s first priority.  He lacks emotional intelligence in regards to empathy for others and interpersonal skills like conflict management and team building.  The high need for control, poor delegation skills and Type A personality further this relationship breach between Greg and his employees.

For much of our interview with Mike, he recommended leadership concepts and offered leadership advice to our group, which had little or nothing to do with our assignment.  Although our group shared much of the responsibility by not communicating clearly to Mike our goals for the interview, Mike did a poor job of listening and asking questions in order to understand our goals.  This is in direct contrast to Greg, who found out exactly what we needed through his own questions and then gave us the information we needed.

Mike created a company policy that prohibited much of the socializing and all co-worker relationships at EverTrust Bank.  This policy is creates a much stricter task oriented structure than the one Greg used at The Blume Company.  Working for Mike would appeal strongly to risk averse, task motivated employees who desire the stability and safety.  A relationship motivated employee may not be interested in working for Mike and, therefore, EverTrust would lose the diversity of having extroverted and enthusiastic individuals as part of their workforce.

Lacks listening skills-did not understand what we were there for
High expectations
Risk averse
Missing out on employees who wan’t to know fellow coworkers.

 thto asking the owner, Bruce, to tal unwilling to put into action suggestions that Tom does not see the  that he does not described a situation where his property manager Tom

Inability to have Tom do what he wants
Has Bruce tell Tom to get the graffiti off the buildings in one day.
Didn’t get along with last to two administrative helpers

Does not use personal power

May not be friendly and approachable
Task oriented – Wants to make sure things get done, but not
Emotional Intelligence pg 66
            Empathy for others-
            Interpersonal skills
Interpersonal skills- Conflict management, team building

Risk Averse
Type A –hurry, impatient, worry over time, competitive
            High need for control
            Poor delegation, high expectations, likes to work alone, jump up to action, high goals, more stress
            Low self monitor