NOT2B

The root of the word "manager" comes from the same root as the words "manipulate" or "maneuver", meaning to "adapt or change something to suit one's purpose". Although these words may carry a pejorative meaning for some of us, there is nothing inherently wrong with them. Indeed, into each life a little manipulation and maneuvering must fall. For example, if the door to your office gets stuck, a handyman might need to manipulate it to get it working again. If there is a log jam at the elevator, you might decide to maneuver around the crowd and take the stairs. No problem there.

However, there is another kind of manipulation and maneuvering that is a problem - when managers use their position to bend subordinates to their will. While short-term gains may result, in the end the heart is taken out of people. Your staff may become good soldiers, but they will lose something far more important in the process - their ability to think for themselves. General George Patton said it best,"Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity."

 - Mitchell Ditkoff