Michael Scott - The Model Boss

And by model, I mean bad model.

When I’m not reading about The Office, some of my other interests are Mac stuff, photography, and business ideas. Last night I was reading some articles about styles of being a boss, and I was excited to find an article that referenced Michael Scott.

The article is talking about “the Boss-as-Buddy Dilemma”. It warns that this style is not such a good thing. An excerpt:

An extreme example, but one that has gotten corporations and management experts talking, is the one seen every week on NBC’s comedy “The Office.” Steve Carell portrays Michael Scott, regional manager at the Pennsylvania paper-supply company Dunder Mifflin, who fumbles through the day believing himself to be his employees’ best friend when in reality he appalls his subordinates with his inappropriate behavior.

It goes on to warn that “there are three main concerns for a manager when he or she forms a friendship with an employee: favoritism, acceptance and openness.” This certainly happens in “The Office”

• Favoritism: Michael always calls for Pam because she is good looking and Ryan because that is his man crush.
• Acceptance: Michael had a hard time firing anyone in the Office because he didn’t want to be offensive.
• Openness: Just ask Jim how well Michael can keep a secret.

The article is quite interesting and can be found here. Do you have any more examples Michael being too much of a friend?

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