Why We Don't Practice Good Management

1. Every time we make suggestions to upper management, we are assigned to work on the solution.
2. A scan of the executive team reveals that "play it safe" management has usually trumped creative management.
3. We barely have the time to think.
4. Our department's mantra is "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
5. Results are measured far more than the quality of the efforts.
6. We're too busy updating our resumes.
7. Superficial actions receive the same recognition as serious actions.
8. We don't have sufficient resources.
9. The boss changes priorities every ten minutes.
10. Whenever an incompetent employee whispers "Wrongful discharge," HR folds like a cheap suit.
11. Given the choice of average management with few hassles or excellent management with many hassles, we pick average management.
12. We cannot remember the last time we talked to the boss about the job's priorities.
13. We are searching for an elusive magic strategy instead of a vigorous application of the basics.
14. When we see the gap between what is said and what is done, we conclude that upper management is either foolish or deceptive.
15. Turf is more important than mission.
16. Co-workers are adversaries, not allies.
17. Good management is inconsistent with the fad of the month.
18. We're comfortably situated and change is our enemy.
19. There is no real incentive for better management.
20. We're tired.
21. Good management? That's someone else's job.