Employee A is talking with some co-workers in a conference room.
Employee B is seated at a desk and reading a book. [Let's assume the person is not a receptionist.]
If the boss walks past, which one is suspected of goofing off?
Now you may reasonably respond, "Wait. It depends on what's being said and what's being read." That's true. So let's stipulate that the conference room conversation is about better management and so is the book.
Does that make that big of a difference? My point is that if employees are expected to keep up management skills, when are they expected to read?
Great question, Michael! I posted my thoughts on managing perception in the workplace over at my blog. What are your thoughts?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Barry. I'll check it out.
ReplyDeleteMichael
Barry,
ReplyDeleteI believe that many supervisors and managers would be well advised to set aside at least two hours a week to read developmental material related to their area of responsibility. Ideally, this would be done at home but it can also make sense for it to be done on the job if the "at home" option is not possible and if time can be carved out.
I've also seen situations where team members agree that each will read a different book and then report back to the group in order to expand the exposure to ideas.
Michael