Being the Single-handed Boss
Managing as the single-handed boss will backfire because old patterns of control and command do not work. Generation attitude changes are less loyal than previous workers are and almost nothing gets done by just one person, especially in management roles.
The owner of Kudler Fine Foods works seven days a week, visiting and working at each of the three stores, does all the hiring and firing, all the merchandise ordering and all the financial back office duties. A major threat to the organization is what happens if this person becomes ill, is detained at one store and does not make it to the others, or needs to go on vacation to get away from the stress. This single-handed boss would then not be available to do all the important duties listed above. The finest products would cease being available. The employees would face frustration, become unhappy and angry, and may even walk out. The customers would discontinue to shop at Kudlers.
By realizing this, the managers and assistant managers who were employed to handle the day-to-day details should be empowered to handle the ordering of merchandise, inventory controls, plus the hiring and firing of employees. This would change this organization from dictated rules of one person to an environment in which all employees work together to accomplish common goals.
The tend today is to empower employees by giving them as much freedom as possible be become self-directed and self-motivated. Organizations need workers and managers who share a vision and know how to get things done cooperatively. The owner’s duty is to give the organization a sense of purpose and a set of values that together unite workers in a common destiny of pleasing the customer for a profit. Invest in the employees; they are the greatest assets. The quality of their skills, talent, experience, caring, and creativity to do what is best for the customer is the most important attribute of an impressive...