"The Great and Powerful Oz has spoken!"
Ever have a boss like this? Proclaiming his wisdom from on high...commanding others to do his bidding through intimidation...belittling his subordinates for merely speaking up. I've known quite a few of these so-called management types: lots of huffing and puffing, all smoke and mirrors, but in the end, very little substance. Is this what management should be about?
I don't manage like this, and neither do most good managers. In the end, good managers are less wizard-like and much more like Dorothy in their approach: they develop a strong vision (getting home/getting to Oz), they encourage their staff to believe in themselves even when they are uncertain about their own skills or abilities (Dorothy lets the Scarecrow make many decisions for the group--not bad for someone with 'no brain'!) They always motivate, communicate, and advocate for their people. And of course they solve their own daily problems... how shall I say this, creatively...Think about the ways Dorothy becomes the real "great and powerful" manager in this film. Many of the principles she adheres to will prove to be valuable tools for future managers like yourselves as well. We'll be discussing more about management styles as the semester progresses...
66 comments:
When I saw The Wizard of Oz, I was probably only 10 years old. I cannot remember exactly what Dorothy did and all I can remember was Dorothy saying "There's no place like home." At the time I never really thought of Dorothy's management skills. Based on what I've heard and read I think Dorothy would sort of made a good manager. However, she seems like the type that could be taken advantage of because of her leniant and nice ways. She did not show any signs of intimidation, which I feel is a quality I think a successful manager should have. I think a mixture of Dorothy's managing skills and intimidation would make a perfect manager.
Dorothy as a good manager? now there is food for thought. As I try to replay that movie in my mind what stood out to me the most was:
Dorothy encouraged those she meet along the road to come with her to go see the wizard. i don’t think she did this just because she wanted company but because she genuinely cared about these people she never meet. Managers should also care about their workers and their best interest along with profit. One shouldn’t be sacrificed for the other as then they both would suffer maybe not in the short run and not to the same degree but definitely.
Honestly, even though I do agree that managers should follow Dorothy's example in that they should encourage their staff to believe in themselves in times of uncertainty, some times barking is needed for work to get done. I say this because, pushing people to do their best and giving them that extra confidence they need, is alright; however, managers shouldn't find themselves consumed by the boosting of all their employees' confidences and morales. -- it might begin to counteract productivity. Again I'm not saying evil monsters make good managers, it's just that sometimes knowing when to huff , puff and breathe fire can be a good thing.
-- Karup
I definitely agree with this. High and mighty managers that look down on everyone and let them know about it, only decrease employee morale. It's always better to be respected than to be feared. If a manager has a vision and places himself on the same level as the lower level employees, in conversation for instance, they will respect that manager more and try to help him accomplish that vision better. The employee will feel like he or she is a part of the same team as the manager as opposed to being on a team that the manager owns and playing to make him money, not to win.
Unfortunately, I have not read The Wizard of Oz, hopefully will reply to your next post. Thanks
No more bossy these days business.
People are encouraged by compliment. When they are encouraged, they perform better on their work. I agree that Dorothy is a good rolemodel as a good manager. She helped others to find their hidden talent and encouraged to develop it. That is one of the big part a good manager has to do.
Hi professor,
I completely agree with you that a good manager is less wizard like and much more like Dorothy in their approach.A good manager will always make his employees feel important and an important part of the team. they will always encourage the employees in a positive way so that the employees have confidence in themselves rather than making things hard by pushing them in a negative direction.
Hey professor! I agree we do need more managers with Dorothy's mentality. After reading your posting I came to realize that I had manager like Dorothy, she was always trying to encourage her team to reach the top and she wasn't pushy about it either. But now I no longer have a encouraging and creative manager, instead I have a manager much like the wizard. She is just too pushy and she belittles the rest of us. Bascially after reading this posting I really learned to appreciate my old mangager.
Prof. Kurpis,
I do agree that a good manager does let their employee’s have autonomy but if there is too much slack then it hurts the manager in the long run.
I like more of the check and balance approach where you give employees autonomy for a certain time and if the task is not completed then start to micro-manage until you both come to even grounds. Where I would say this is the task please take a look at it and when I ask in a few days about it a report of the incident being completed should be handed to me. When something isn't done then I would micro-manage everyone (even though it does waist my time and backup all of my duties in every way I know in the long-run its beneficial for me) for 2 weeks or until I see some positive feed and then I go back to letting them make their own decisions.
I don't know what does The Wizard of Oz talked about since I have not see it. However, I think a good manager should be able to maintain store businese sales and build positive relationship between co workers. Managers should respect his or her co workers. Also, managers should make sure working environments are safe and comfortable as back to ourselves' homes. To be a manager is not easy, and to be a good manager is double hard than to be a manager.
In today's business world, or just everyday life in general, managers are either taking everything under their control or helping others out with the power and control on others. I think managers who do commanding too much are not good managers because he/she is not taking other people's ideas and actions. If you lead people all in your way, they are not going to listen to you or appreciate you. They think that you're just using too much power.
On the other hand, managers like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz are considered good managers. Through out the whole movie, she encourages others to follow her to find the place where they belong. And that is their home. In their journey Dorothy acts as the manager to persuade others that they will make their journey home, while others took actions on the way. Good managers like Dorothy, people will tend to listen and appreciation them. And things will get done in a more effective and efficient way. I agree that good managers tend motivate, communicate, and advocate with their people. These management attitudes will then lead to results as desired.
I have never been a manager. I don't know how to manage people or things in the business way.
However, I do have experienced by being managed. I know how the feelings are by these two different types of managers. Of course, I will favor the last manager. I want to be encouraged or motivated especially when we are facing uncertainty.
The first type manager seems bad to me, but there's a reason for doing that.
I don't know if I can be a good manager or not. I just remember a famous Chairman of China's word, "no matter white cat or black cat, it is a good cat if it can catch mouse."
so, I will use all kind of manager skills if it helps me to catch the mouse.
Dorothy was a good manager but lets face it some part of what managers have to deal with just wasn't shown! For example how managers have to deal with employees purposely sabotaging projects to make the manager look bad so that employee can take the manager’s job! These things are never spoken about, only about how bad the managers are or how good they are!
Both managers good or bad have their positives and negatives they have to deal with. Good managers get invited to inner group social events and the so called aka bad managers aren’t invited to anything unless it is a company event. Now if we take another look at this from another angle ;).
People like to have good managers and during the course a relationship is created between them but lets not for get those lying scoundrels, looking for a moment to back stab the good manager, that is only trying to help them and make their lives a lot easier.
I have seen things like this happen to good people and I also know why some managers act the way they do just so their employees don't say something is done when in essence it wasn't completed.
Professor what do you suggest we keep as our model on what a manager that is strict or a manager that is lay back? Micro-manage and/or give job autonomy?
http://vkbpl5100.blogspot.com/2007/10/what-type-of-manager-is-it-best-to-be.html
It seems to me that when there is a situation where the manager is just full of hot air and an ego bloated like a blimp, he doesnt do anything. And much like in Oz, its left to the employees, like Dorothy, to manage themselves. Since their lack of ability to do anything but walk around with a coffee cup dishing out duties alla "Office Space" style, its the workforce that does everything. And then eventually, those distinct leaders in this self managing system will get promoted and the cycle will begin a new.
Luckily I never had the exposure to an authoritative leader like the “The Great and Powerful Oz”. In fact most of my bosses employed Dorothy’s managing style, by welcoming input and encouraging confidence in the skills of their followers. However, I would argue that my boss’s “strong vision” was of his individual achievement, and not a compilation of ideas developed and communicated to him by his staff. Also, Dorothy might be considered a good manager by her diverse group of friends, but as outsiders we witness a lot of misjudgments on her part. Her naivety, unwariness and the fact that she trusted a hay-filled Scarecrow to make decisions for the whole group might not make her an ideal example of a good leader.
I am starting to see now what you meant by this. With just a few group projects I have come to see that what Dorothy did was listen, understand, and consider. Time and time again this has been required in our group projects and when it had not happened we had failed our task. Who knew Dorothy could teach us so much!
Dorothy was definitely a good manager. She believed in her companions’ abilities even though they were not sure if they could achieve what they wanted. She also motivated and listened to them, so that they could finish their journey to meet the Wizard of the OZ to accomplish their goals: Scarecrow getting a brain, the Tin Man getting a heart, and the Cowardly Lion having courage.
I am lucky enough to have a manager like Dorothy right now. My manager always listens to, communicates with, and advocates her subordinates. She also cares about each individual’s personal issues and is willing to help us to develop our professional goals. In fact, my salary is a little bit lower than the average in the same industry. Even though I can easily get a better offer in terms of money, I do not want to. This is because I believe that working with a manager like her is worth more than getting paid more. I am not the only one who thinks this way. The turnover rate is very low in my unit, and all of my coworkers are willing to work hard because we are happy, working with my manager.
From my perspective, my story is one of the good examples indicating how a manager like Dorothy can be ideal in today’s business world.
Well,I have not read The Wizard of Oz but I think in order to be a good manage there are certain good skills and abilities that are required. Being a authority figure is not easy and knowing how to use this authority the right way is even harder. One important skill for being a good manager is to be able to influence his/her people, bringing positive thought to each member.
I never looked at the film in this context, but now that you bring it up it does make sense.
Dorothy had a vision and a goal, and wasn't stopping until she achieved both. Getting home was all she wanted to do, but kept getting sidetracked and bombarded by obstacles. The scarecrow, the tinman, and the lion wasn't who she originally wanted to help, or had any intention on meeting, but she embraced their problems and strived to fix them.
The Wizard is a very funny character when you think of him in the professor's context. He was really nothing more than a scared old guy, who didn't have the answers to anything. Dorothy is a much better manager, and even made the wizard come out from behind the curtain and believe in himself.
I really despise managers who put down their suboordinates and led through a culture of fear rather than of teaching and motivation. Maybe huffing and puffing get work accomplished, but it doesn't foster loyalty or exceptional work.
Great managers have power, and a lot of that power has to do with how they treat people. If you are a caring, inspirational and learning-driven leader, many people look up to you and WANT to please use you, rather than feeling they HAVE to please you. Being able to lead this way, however, takes frequent healthy doses of honest self-analysis.
Unfortunatly, I saw the Magic of Oz when I was a little girl and don't remember Dorothy's "great and powerful" management skills in this film. But I can only say that I don't like managers who proclaim what they can do, but have little substance. Once I had a co-worker, who was promoted to a manager and proclaimed what he could do and how important he was,especially when he was acting like a spy and telling the gossips to the office manager. But in the end of the day,he lacked the skills necessary to succeed.
It would be good if most managers could be like Dorothy who encourages their staff when they need encouragement.
Fortunately, I work with a manager that encourages us to believe in ourselves and allows us to make decisions.
I agree that Dorothy was a great leader. She had a goal - to reach the Wizard of Oz, which was hard for her to do alone; she persuaded her friends that they should have the same goal, so they would accompany her. She was kind and supportive, and she understood what would benefit her friends the most. As a result everyone was pursuing their goal with enthusiasm and energy, and, of course, everyone was happy.
Hola!
I had one manager like that in the first bank I use to work, very bad at managing people but very knowledgeable of his work. However, I learned a lot from him and thank him very much but unfortunately he is not that type of manager he will help his people to move up the corporation. As a result when it was my time to move he did not help me, it did not happen, I resign from that bank and went to another one with more opportunities.
As I thought then and that I am sure now as Dorothy, I am a team player, I have a clear and strong vision and I believe in me and that I can make it.
I have seen managers like the one you metioned. Actually I had worked for one and at the end I left the department and transferred to another. She thought very highly of herself and looked down on her employees and I do not feel this is the type of person I would willing to work for.
I don't remember much about the Wizard of Oz except that my English teacher once said it was about a woman search for the ideal man. Therefore I can't say if Dorothy was a good manager or not but in the end she did accomplish her task so maybe she did manage her resouces well.
I have not worked with anyone that manages like such and I'm glad I have not. Managers like such are boring and difficult to interact with where they focus their life in work and work throughout their life, thinking that their knowledge is the greatest.
Dorothy was the ideal manager. When times got rough Dorothy inspired the others to continue in their pursuits to fulfill their dreams. She helped them to realize qualities about themselves that they didn't realize they had. Even when the situation turned bad for her she never gave, she pushed on and led her people to Oz, overcoming every obstacle set before. Her determination gave her followers the strength that was needed for them to achieve their dreams. Thats what makes a good manager, someone willing to take the lead, give their people direction and inspire them to maintain their course and not to give up in difficult times.
The ability bring out the best in others demonstrates the prowess of a great leader. Dorothys intiative to let the scarecrow make many decision was extremely wise because she saw the potential in him before he realized it and knew that in order for him to get a 'brain', he had to realize that he already had one. As the story of the wizard of oz progresses each of the major supporting characters that surround dorothy start to realize that attributes that they most desire is already within themselves. Great leaders bring out the best in everyone around them and the wizard of oz proves this.
I have never saw the Wizard of Oz, nevertheless, I do believe that a good manager should have the ability to encourage other employees. And this should always start from themselves. If one could not respect or behaved themselves first, the other will just copy their leaders actions despite managers expectation. In addition, a good manager should be a good listner so he/she will know what is going on under him/her in order to solve problems effciently.
I think that through all times throughought ones work experience, we have come across people who let power get to thier heads. These are the ones who do all the sucking up and do anything to get to the top, and once they get their they feel like thier title or position automaticly makes thier opinion correct.
I feel the best managers are the ones who listen and motivate, after all isnt the manager there as a representative of his/her subordinates? Management is thier to lead thier vision towards the good of the company and its empolyees. In the end, Dorathy proved to be a good manager because she did not let her issue overcome everyone elses, they achieved thier goals together and in the end achieved thier goals. They all somewhat depened on one another wich is something that should be strived for in any management senario.
I have had a boss like this professor. I work in a school and the principal is the boss, not the best one, but she is the boss. She thinks knows all and doesn't listen to new ideas and alternatives to handling situations. This makes things very hard and also makes the staff angry. Things get done so slowly, which makes the department look horrible. this is poor management like you said. She is suppose to make her staff want to do the work, but she just makes us feel like our opinions doesn't count. Maybe thats why our school got an F.....
I like a manager that's more of a Dorothy kind, however, it's hard to be such a manager.
I think managers not only need to have a strong vision, they probably need a good communication skill with the co-workers. I mean having a good social relationship, don't they need it?
Furthermore, I think they need high EQ- emotion intelligence quotient. When facing their customers or even their co- workers.
On the other hand, I think everyone hates the Wizard of Oz type of manager, but there is still a lot of this type of management around the world. Which felt like we're in absolutism, and it is very pressuring.
Remembering what is the exact story about Wizard of Oz gave me hard time to comment on this blog entry; however, I do remember that Dorothy was leading other people who she met on the way to the place, where she could get a possible clue to go back to her home. ( I believe the story line was like this) And, what my memory tells me about how the Dorothy was that she fearlessly step forwards and was seemed to do whatever it takes to accomplish her desire, going back home. However, although she was going for her desire, she respected, supported, and motivated her friends at the same time. Soft and strong was my impression of Dorothy in my memory. And, Managers have to have a balance in between. Managers have to be strong enough to guide where all are heading towards their vision, while they have to be soft enough to absorb everyone's thoughts and ideas both logically and emotionally, so that the managers can be the advisers to their co-workers for searching solutions for their concerns.
THANK GOD I never had a manager like the Great and Powerful Oz. It seems to me that these type of managers are the least productive and probably have some of the easiest jobs.
I know for a fact that I would NEVER manage like this. Yes, it is necessary to take control in your positions and MANAGE, but there is no need to DICTATE.
In my first day of class in your MGT 3120 class you spoke about Wizard of Oz, and I thought how interesting that was. Now seeing it again it made me think about a few bosses I have had in the past. I could say 90% were the Wizard and the others Dorothy. From my experience “Dorothy” was more successful at getting her subordinates to do their work
Dorothy could do many things in order to prove her management skills. All she has to do is click her heels three times and I am sure that they will come to her. She could try harder to mediate and calm the cowardly lion and improve his confidence. Or she could ask the scarecrow more questions to prove to him that he has a brain, and without it he would not be able to answer her questions. She could also show the Tim Woodman that he has a heart because he cares about having a heart. She could mediate all of these problems until they got to the Wizard. Dorothy has all these skills and utilizing all of them is key in solving the problems present in the Wizard of Oz.
It is important for a manager to lead the workers in the right direction. It all starts with a manager who needs to have a clear vision and set goals. When a manager is inspiring and motivating, understanding and clear in what needs to be done then there should be 100% performance. For instance Dorothy was able to unite such different characters to a same unity a team in more ways than one. She found ways to inspire each character because she had such a clear vision and she seeked to find the best in people and make them beleive in themselves
Well i've never watched the wizard of oz completely but from what i saw, dorothy seemed to be a god manager. Increased their belief in themselves, gave them a positive outlook while maintaining her vision. This type of management works for some people though. There are workers out there that need to have that big intimidation type of boss. Usually the ones who take advantage of the boss who tries to work with them, these are generally the type of people who need the huffing and puffing type of boss.Workers who work well with a manager like dorothy are visionaries also, and can see more or less where things are going. these types of workers lose motivation with managers who belittle them.
I have never see Wizard of Oz in movie, but I have read the book when I was younger. I agree with Prof. K and many other who also commented that a good manager is less wizard like and much more like Dorothy in their approach. A good manager will make his employees feel important and an important part of the team. Much like in Oz, Dorothy encourage the other in a positive way so that the other characters have confidence in themselves rather than making things hard by pushing them in a negative direction.
But i always thought of Dorothy as a leader as opposed to a manager. This is because she inspired people and that is to me one of the most vital qualities of a good leader, yes you could be leader in the mold of Wizard of Oz but that won't earn you the respect of people. Either of the two, people will remember you, but it's how you want to be remembered, that is going to dictate your actions.
Going back to Dorothy like i said she is a leader, a I high C leader (if i am remembering teh characteristics right), not a manager. She has a vision and she in the end reaches her goals through help from some or more managers. I say some or more because i can't really remember if they can all be classified as managers, will watch Wizard of OZ again and pay more attention to Tin Man and Scarecrow's behavior and get back to you. But remember she is a leader not a manager. if you want to look at a manager I suggest you watch Mary Poppins, that's were you will probably find the manager that everyone is talking about.
Hi.
Thank God I never had a boss that didn't treat me with respect as their employee. I was fortunate enough to come across managers that seem to care. (Like Dorothy... lucky me)I saw them more like a friend then a boss. Now I have a friend that's was recently rotated in her job and her current manager is horrible. Hearing her stories I notice that most horrible managers are new. Since they don't have no experience in managing they believe they need to be a certain way to get respect and feel like their the "BIG GUY".
I agree with You Professor. Somebody who is not only the director but also becomes "a friend" to his / her employees can "do" with these employees much more. People always fallows great leaders who poses much more than just a legitimate power given from higher management. People whi wtink that their boss is a "real" human being who understands them (their feelings, needs) are willing to sacrifice much more than for the person who simply orders them.
I never tough of such a classical movie as an example of a good manager/leader!
I have been lucky enough to get trough my short work career with out dealing with a manager like the wizard. At this time I seat here and wonder if this characteristics are something you are born with or if it would take me many years to master. After all we all strive to be more like Dorothy and less like the wizard.
I absolutely agree with you professor on this topic because a great manager is someone who can establish a goal or vision to be attained and at the same time motivate their team to accomplish it. Additionally, a great manager has to gain the confidence and trust from his/her team and be able to lead them through difficult obstacles that occur frequently in today’s business world. For example, in the NFL, the New England Patriots’ incredibly success is in the most part due to their great head coach, Bill Belichick. Not only is Bill Belichick great in motivating his players play hard and win every game, he always seems to be in control of his environment no matter who the opponent is. I strongly believe that Bill Belichick would be a great manager of any company if he wasn’t a coach in the NFL.
Since I never saw the Wizard of Oz, but based on reading I think Dorothy is a good manager and also she is a successful lady whatever work she did. I think Manager should always care about their worker and their interest for example, asks them for their opinion, sometime co-workers have good opinion than manager so I believe manager should more involve with co-workers in work place. And most important thing is that manager should have good relationship with co-workers.
I suppose Dorothy is a good example of an effective manager. She does encourage each of her party members and tries to bring out the best in everyone. She certainly is an unconventional choice though.
i agree that good managment would let their employee make some of the decision, todays society, i believe if manager takin control everything and use thier power to commanding people around wouldnt be a good one. my own point of view
I also think that Dorothy is a great (and surprising if I may add) example of a leader, simply for the fact that she doesn't boss anybody around the enmtire movie and in addition has tons of charisma: everything in the movie revolvs around her and everybody wants to talk to her and somehow be an active part of her life. She is generally very nice to everybody, which makes everybody happy, and as a good leader, you want your workers to be happy and enthusiastic around you.
Dorothy gathers a whole team to follow her. She makes the team believe in the same beliefs that she has. She makes them strive towards a common goal (getting to OZ), while pursuing personal interests. She keeps everyone organized, and leads the way. She deffiantely is a great example of a manager, and she finally reacher her goal. She made them believe that anything is possible, even if the OZ did not exist. Now that's having power over other people.
I have seen The Wizard of Oz but a VERY long time ago and honestly dont remember too much about so I cant really relate! :(
I completely agree with you. I also believe Dorothy was a very good manager. Her understanding of others and the way she puts them together is what made her character so amazing. She realizes that eveyone works in a certain manner, and all you hve to do is to know that different manner, then the world is yours. Her character also signifies that you won't always find the perfect world out where, you have to make it look like perfect. In management terms, not all workers are of the same standard, each has different standard of working, if you understand that standard you will succeed. Each has different way of doing things, you figure that way out, you will succeed. Simply, confidence and belief in someone or something always provides positive results.
Its interesting to take an in depth look at the nuances of real life scenarios which can be picked up in a children's movie. I'm sure the makers did not have this in mind necessarily, but in the creation of a caring dorthy who had a goal, would up having these qualities which made her into a good manager. It is very true, how when you put yourself on the ground floor with those who you mean to encourage, it is much more effective then being some overseeing, intangible, unrelatable boss. People need a leader to follow the ways of and the wizard was lacking in emulatability. (i just made that word up)
Although I am familiar with the name and context of "The Wizard of Oz", I have only roughly seen it once. Comparing Dorothy to a good manager, however, is something I have never thought of thinking. I certainly agree that she is a good manager in various ways: having a clear goal, worked her way to achieve it, and being kind and considerate to her followers. The latter part is the most important to me. No matter how skilled a manager can be, I would work hard and happily only with a manager who has a good personality, which is the kind of manager I have right now.
Wow I never looked at The Wizard of Oz that way. I see the connection to management clearly! I used to think that a manager/a boss was the loudest one in the room but it is really not so. And I do agree that an effective leader encourages and motivates just like Dorothy. However, I feel like being too kind and sweet has a negative impact aswell... There should be a balance.
Although I am not familiar with this movie (?)..I do believe that a good manager should have the ability to motivate other people. I also believe that a good manager should have a charismatic personality and management skills, so other people will follow his/her ideas and show loyalty for him/her.
I used to have a manager who thought he was g-d. He was more like Hitler. He thought he was the smartest person in the world. The truth was that he was a miserable person deep down inside and the only way he felt important was to exert his power and control over his employees. I now work for a boss who is the epitome of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. He encourages me to do things on my own. In fact, he only wants me to consult with him on the most important issues. His belief is that he hired his staff based on their creativity and personality. Therefore, he trusts us and encourages us to "do our own thing." I actually look forward going into work each day. I dreaded my old job and would count down the minutes till my shift was over.
I used to have a manager who thought he was g-d. He was more like Hitler. He thought he was the smartest person in the world. The truth was that he was a miserable person deep down inside and the only way he felt important was to exert his power and control over his employees. I now work for a boss who is the epitome of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. He encourages me to do things on my own. In fact, he only wants me to consult with him on the most important issues. His belief is that he hired his staff based on their creativity and personality. Therefore, he trusts us and encourages us to "do our own thing." I actually look forward going into work each day. I dreaded my old job and would count down the minutes till my shift was over.
Sorry but I dont see Dorothy as a manager. I mean i guess she got the job done but it was mostly out of fear. Plus, she was in another land and wanted to get home, I would follow anyone from that land because they know what they're doing...even if the guy has no brain. hahaha On a more serious note I dont believe a manager should be so happy go lucky with their subordinates because there has to be a level of respect but I also believe that being a "Wizard" is even further from being a good manager. There should definitely be a combination of the both.
I agree to dorothy, people do need to believe in themself in time of uncertainty, after all the power of believes generate an awesome lot of power and miracles!
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