What is the connection between the boss’s personality and the success or failure of the department? It is the author’s contention
that good guys make bum bosses. The authors feel that good guys need to be liked, and therefore they may make weak and indecisive decisions. And because the good guy wants to stay on good terms with his co-workers, he may sacrifice the well-being of the group for the welfare of an individual.
It is the author’s argument that
managers driven by a need for power (instead of people) make more effective managers. On the other hand, managers who only want personal power try to dominate others, and bend them to their will. Such managers want their subordinates to be responsible only to them, and not to the
organization to which they belong. In other words, these managers place greater value on personal loyalty, and not on loyalty to the company. The inherent danger is that when such a manager leaves, the organization falls apart.
Whatever the type of manager, if the manager bends rules and makes exceptions, he undermines the organization, and may alienate other workers. It is important for the workers to believe that the company’s rewards system is fair and equitable. It is also important for the manager to maintain morale, and build team-spirit. To be able to do this, the manager must create a good climate for work on a regular basis. The ideal situation is when the workers follow rules, and work hard out of loyalty to the organization – not to an individual.
The authors say that the manager should not become a captive to his character, but adopt whatever management style is best suited to the situation. In other words, the manager should not become a stereotype. Like any other worker, the manager also gains experience (in the exercise of power) with growing maturity. A mature manager, the authors feel, will seek expert advice wherever available.
The authors say that the manager must be willing to make sacrifices for the good of the company, because his own status and authority derive from the position he holds in the company.