Unintended Consequences

 

I've developed an array of management workshops over the years. 

Most of them were - and are - successful but there was one class in particular that bombed. It only took a couple of sessions for me to spot an inherent problem.

The class dealt with the subtle skills that aren't in the usual job description, but which are taken for granted.

Skills such as anticipating needs, taking initiative, learning about your boss's management style, and using diplomacy with your co-workers.

All solid stuff, I believe, and they were bolstered by some tips which even an excellent employee could use.

The problem, I soon concluded, was due to a development before my control.

While my goal was to help already good employees become even better, what I discovered was that the people being sent to the class possessed highly negative attitudes which put them two steps away from termination. 

None of them signed up for the program. All of them were forced to attend by bosses who hoped the session would improve their dismal dispositions.

In short, they didn't want to be there, and I didn't want them there.

All of which is a reminder to consider the unintended consequences. In retrospect, I should have anticipated the problem. 

My assumption was that the class members would want to learn. As it turned out, the only thing that most of them wanted to learn was how to get back at the lousy, no-good, boss who'd stuck them in the worthless class.

But I know at least one person who learned a great deal.