From:
tom.walsh@equant.com [mailto:
tom.walsh@equant.com]
Greetings,
Sorry, no references for either case, just an observation. While
knowing the manager understands what is involved in completing their
tasks is appreciated by those who report to them, it's been my
observation that when managers are "actually DOING the work that their
employees do", they are doing so not to learn, but rather because they
can't get away from the
work. Two reasons I've encountered for that appear to be 1) there
aren't
sufficient resources to complete the task and they feel compelled to
roll up their sleeves or 2) they haven't been appropriately weaned out
of the "hands on mode" and perhaps need "experiential learning on being
a
manager". Both types of instances occurred from promotion within the
ranks, and were in organizations of a technical nature (i.e.: software
development, network services, computer support, etc.).
Something similar (please excuse me if you've already been there)
was
once defined by the phrase "Management by Walking Around". Some of the
writings offering it might have references usable by you today.
Unfortunately, I think the flattening of organizations has removed a lot
of the time once allowed for what is seen today as a waste of limited
cycles.
Good luck on your search and I'd be interested in seeing what else
comes out of this. Take care & enjoy!!!!
Regards,
Tom Walsh
tom.walsh@equant.com