Montgomery vs. Michael

vs.

We know them both. Monty Burns and Michael Scott. Both have positives and negatives. Monty tried to block the sun from Springfield, stole a lolly from a baby and was shot. Whilst Michael lead sales calls that resulted in his driving in to a lake and sponsoring "Rabies Awareness." I used them in this post not to make fun of one or the other. But to make a point as to what they represent.

I found this great article posted on Advertising Age this week. Sally Hogshead looks at two types of bosses and asks the question- who would you rather work for: The Talented Jerk or the Sweetheart Hack?

Needless to say, the Talented Jerk wins every time. Why? They push the boundaries and care for the organization they are with. They win even more when they can criticize work but still motivate people and keep the group on focus. Unfortunately, the Hack, well, they hide, lack creativity and generally "lead from the rear. " The perfect storm happens when you have both the Jerk and Talentless Hack come together. Oh dear.

As a Manager, you are a teacher. You are also bound by your goals and your responsibilities to the organization you are in. You need to lead. The tricky part is bridging the two areas- can you be nice and a jerk? A nice jerk? It is finding this point where the two grey areas meet that is the most tricky.

The axiom that "pooh rolls downhill" is very true. In sales the numbers must be met, expectations are high and deadlines (as well as tempers) are shorter and shorter. Throw in some job insecurity and some bad news and it is easy to cross the line to Permajerk. However, we all don't have to succumb to the Permajerk status. Your team is your team. You must be forceful but not heavy handed. Show them by example and coach, coach, coach. Make sure to correct bad work and call a spade a spade. Don't mince words. We all like to be patted on the back, but it is the true critique of our work that we most value.

Combine this with leading by example, communicating expectations clearly and taking an individualized approach to your teams needs you will find a formula to help them succeed- and they will follow you.

It is easy to be a Jerk. Being a Talented Jerk takes work and experience. Going the other route and being the Hack is an easy path. Are you a Monty? Michael? A combination of both??