MANAGEMENT WITH
Erika Cox, University of Texas at San Antonio
TASFAA Conference 2010
America’s “Favorite” Boss


Each week, millions tune into The Office to watch the
bumbling antics of Michael Scott
What do we love to hate about Michael Scott?
 He
overestimates his strengths
 He doesn’t respect upper management decisions
 He’s tactless
Learning Objectives


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Examine some of Michael’s “best” moments and
discuss what was done wrong
Learn to recognize common management mistakes
and avoid them
Discuss best practices among tables to learn from
the experiences of others
Laugh!
Overestimates His Strengths
Scene from “Pilot Episode” courtesy of TBS
http://www.tbs.com/video/index.jsp?oid=124280
Discussion Time!

In your groups discuss the following:
 What
are some problems with thinking you can do no
wrong as a manager?
 What about his reaction to downsizing? Good? Bad?
 How should have that information been relayed?
Discuss amongst yourselves what are some inherent
problems when a manager feels like he or she can
do no wrong. Offer a specific (anonymous)
example if you have one. What are some tips to
prevent this myopia?
Doesn’t Respect Upper Management Decisions
“Best Quotes 4” courtesy of Hulu
http://www.hulu.com/watch/74128/the-office-best-quotes-no-1#s-p27-sr-i1
Discussion Time!

In your groups discuss the following:
 What
did Michael do wrong in this clip?
 How important is it to convey upper management
decisions in an objective manner? Why?
 Could anything have been done differently?
Discuss a time when you or a supervisor had to
communicate an upper-management decision that
was difficult. Was the decision communicated
effectively? If not, how could it have been
communicated better? Please use anonymity!
Tactless
“Best Quotes” courtesy of Hulu
http://www.hulu.com/watch/74147/the-office-best-quotes-no-4
Discussion Time!

In your groups discuss the following:
 What
did Michael do wrong in this clip?
 Is the a “right way” to disagree?
 How should he have communicated his opinion?
Come up with a real life example of a time when a
comment was made that was tactless at work. What
was the situation and how do you think it should
have been handled? Please use anonymity!
Becoming “World’s Best Boss”

Tips to avoid Michael’s many mishaps and mistakes
 Really
listen to your staff
 Communicate, both ways
 Have an open-door policy
 Involve your staff
 Give credit where it is due
 Ask friends to evaluate your strengths & weaknesses
Newman, R. (April, 2008). What to do with a boss like Michael Scott. U.S. News & World Report.
Purdy, K. (October, 2006). The Michael Scott effect: Tips to help bosses avoid comparisons to ‘The Office’s’
icon of moronic management. The Eagle Tribune.
Michael Scott the Role-Model?

Does Michael have any redeeming qualities?
 Empathetic
 At
times
 Good
salesperson
 Means well
 But
remember the old adage, “The road to hell is paved
with good intentions.”
Management Quotes to (Not) Live By
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
“I don’t want somebody sucking up to me because
they think I am going to help their career. I want
them sucking up to me because they genuinely love
me.”
“When I said that I was king of forwards, you’ve
got to understand that I don’t come up with this
stuff. I just forward it along. You wouldn’t arrest a
guy who was just passing drugs from one guy to
another.”
THANK YOU
Happy managing!