3 Types Of People In The Business World

These are descriptions of some of the styles that are regularly encountered in the business world. Note that these people are always there and I think that their presence may mean some good to some people.

The Godfather

Despite the much emphasis on teamwork and participatory management, the Godfather style still prevails. Godfathers typically demand complete control of their organisations and total loyalty from their employees. Subordinates are given freedom in their routine duties but their goals are dictated from above. A Godfather's image and ego require frequent nurturing, usually in the form of successful confrontations with outsiders. To be recognised as good employees, subordinates need only stand at ringside and root for the boss.

People who have been subjected to this style for many years rarely become good managers themselves. Most often, they become new Godfathers. At the opposite extreme, they become submissive and ineffectual.

Groups led by Godfathers are normally goal oriented and known for getting things done. Outsiders see them as well-oiled machines. Superiors depend on them and because they rely on one person for nearly all decisions, however, the goals of Godfather groups are often self-serving and not always in the best interest of the organisation as a whole.

The Ostrich

Ostriches love the status quo and fear discord. They always hope problems will simply go away and would rather stick their head in the sand than face unpleasantness of any kind.

Ostriches believe firmly in non-confrontational approaches to problem solving, and they avoid issues and debate. They are often capable and knowledgeable in their own areas of expertise but they are usually better suited to serve as assistants than as managers. The fact is, progress cannot be achieved without conflict and a preference for the status quo stifles growth and can weaken morale. Ostriches are more concerned with a superior's opinion of their job performance than with the morale of their subordinates, who often lack initiative, imagination and productivity, especially if they have had their Ostrich managers for a long time.

The Do-it-yourselfer

Do-it-yourselfers want to handle everything themselves, especially the more chanllenging assignments. The only tasks they ordinarily delegate are the ones that they find trivial or that require special skills. They are often capable individuals; many are workaholics. All live by the motto: "if you want a job done well, do it yourself!" They spend long hours at their jobs and are seen by upper management as candidates for promotions.

Unfortunately, they often make themselves indispensable. In several cases, a Do-it-yourselfer's sudden illness has brought an entire department to a standstill. In addition, people who work for them often react like the people who work for Ostriches. Unable to get recognition and challenging assignments, they turn into mere hired hands. If the goals of an organisation include productivity improvement and personnel development, then Godfathers, Ostriches and Do-it-yourselfers make poor managers.

Are you one of them? If your are, it is your choice to remain like that or change for the good of yourself and that of your organisation.

To your success.