> [Host's Note: It wasn't clear to me who Joan thought might have a vested
> interest, but I suspect she's saying that for managers the idea "I can't
> control this, I can only influence.." might be a cop-out to avoid taking
> responsibility. Joan? ...Rick]
Rick, you suspected correctly and that was my point. The word "control"
has been assigned a negative meaning by some and this has been used by
others to escape accountability contending that that they can only
influence those down the chain, not control the outcome. My post was meant
highlight this condition.
Objection to the word "control" comes from thinking that the word implies
only one tactic, that of a top-down command and control approach. Those
who use this approach to control have been deluded into thinking that
ordering an outcome is tantamount to achieving it.
But reality lies elsewhere. Giving verbal orders to humans has always been
one of the most destructive and counter-productive actions any boss can
take to achieve a given outcome. There are exceptions, but they only serve
to prove the rule. This is true for two reasons: first, humans don't like
to take orders and second, if they are routinely forced to do so they
start acting more like robots who do not use their brain in the course of
their work. Why should they turn it on if no one will allow them to use
its output?? Their negative feeling from this condition causes them to say
that they are being treated like "numbers" and that they are disrespected
and demeaned. Of course, they are being disrespected, but through
ignorance more often than malice since bosses are only following what
society has practiced on them since birth, the command and control
approach. The resulting loss of brainpower and morale on the job causes
low productivity, low quality, low creativity, low teamwork and low
everything else important to success.
The existence of this belief in the viability of orders was so rampant in
the US Navy that the head of the Navy actually created a school in the mid
'70s to teach admirals that this was not true and how to change their
ways. The school was conducted by then Admiral Rickover's group in an
isolated area of Idaho's desert. Control over outcomes was possible, but
not through orders alone.
In response to my saying -
"But the point is that control implies authority and that
determines responsibility and accountability."
Robert Bacal stated -
"I think perhaps, so does influence. Whether one calls what one does
control of influence, the question is what are the limits of effect on
employees. We begin, I believe by holding different assumptions regarding
staff. I have great faith and confidence that staff will function
according to their own motivations and beliefs and do not only respond to
leadership in a compliant way--that is a false belief that fits the theory
X notion of long ago.
"The notion of passive, empty vessel staff that is implicit in Joan's
control concept seems to me to be one that learning organizations, quality
improvement organizations, and empowered organizations need to fight
against, with vigour."
Implicit, NO! I believe most strongly in the goodness and capability of
people, but I have found that the only ones who can maintain their
motivations and beliefs and not respond to poor leadership in a negative
way are those who are strong and independent, take charge of their own
life and not in any way conformists. My experience indicates that although
we were all born independent, society forces over 90% of us into some or
complete conformance. One only need view top-down companies to determine
how many have succumbed to this "influence". On the other side, I am also
aware of a few places wherein the majority were returned to their at
birth, strong and independent state and were able for many years to
maintain their motivations and standards in spite of having a command and
control oriented boss. In fact, they reveled in this ability.
Finally, since bosses have the authority over juniors of relieving,
firing, reducing pay or denying a raise, suspending, ordering actions, et
al, I submit that the word influence is by definition incorrect. If
control is objectionable, what then would fit? Paycheck control always
makes "My way or the highway" a possiblity which juniors can dismiss only
at some cost to themselves.
Regards, Joan
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joan Pomo The Finest Tools for Managing People
Simonton Associates Based on the book
jpomo@gate.net "How to Unleash the Power of People"
About the book go to http://pages.prodigy.com/DMHD39A (use caps)
--"jpomo@gate.net" <jpomo@gate.net>
Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>