April 7, 2014

Leadership Lessons from the Past

A few years ago, I found a document that wasn't dated and didn't have an author’s name on it but from the language, it seemed to be quite old. Recently, I discovered a second document with some additional information that seems to be related to the first one. These could be the earliest known documents on leadership.

Scaredycate Closedoorius

This is the manager who has an “open door policy” when no one is actually in her office. Once the meeting begins, doors are sealed. Anything discussed in meetings are translated to staff, customers, or clients as her ideas.

Likedbyallorus Neediad

Great guy who always has time for you but he deals with no real crises. Any actual staff conflict, culture concerns, or client issues are swept neatly under the finely appointed corporate non-answer area rug.

Speakius Nonactium

She seems to have great ideas that never see the light of day past the promise of will be and someday. The plan sounds promising enough so everyone involved think this time she may be on to something but the pattern of no follow through returns.

Unwantiate Inputarium

Embossed on the front is the phrase “Our People Are Our Strongest Asset”. Through the threshold of the lobby is where that mantra dies a rapid painful death to make room for his benevolent dictatorship.

Whathesaysits Collaboratorus

Employees are reminded the importance of teamwork when his ideas aren’t executed void of input from the team. Significant regular staff erosion is blamed on others.

Lackus Spinearia

She enjoys sitting in her corner office praising people when things are good but is unable to make one concrete decision of any substance that will actually move the company forward.

Perhaps you recognize someone.
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Kneale Mann | Leadership Strategist, consultant, writer, speaker, executive coach facilitating performance growth with leaders, management, and teams.

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