The Cranky Middle Manager Show # 20 The Ape in the Corner Office
The Cranky Middle Manager Show #020 (MP3 10.4MB 30.07 Min)
Welcome everyone. This is our 20th show, and we have a very special interview today. Richard Conniff is the author of a very hot book that answers a lot of nagging questions about our bosses, “The Ape in the Corner Office”. We also are still looking for contestants for our “Worst Manager on the Planet” Contest.
Show Notes
0:00 Welcome to the all-natural edition of The Cranky Middle Manager Show.
1:19 Our show is dedicated to John Collins- liar, blackguard, drunkard, thief, who was reformed by an understanding manager. An inspiration to us all…assuming we’re liars, blackguards, drunkards and thieves- or manage some.
3:00 The first horror story from our Worst Manager on the Planet Contest. Drop me an email to tell your story or if you use SKYPE, you can leave a voicemail at wayneturmel. There are software prizes, autographed books and the chance to be semi-famous. All names will be changed to protect the innocent and their loved ones.
4:09 The quote of the week is from Plautus… fits right in with our nature theme today and since we talk a lot about weasels on the show, it’s good to hear mice get their props….
4:55 Welcome Richard Conniff, author of The Ape in the Corner Office. Nice guy, even if he doesn’t share my opinion of weasels…. but i’m not the only one to attribute traits to animals incorrectly. Especially when it comes to “800 pound gorillas”.
8:09 Here’s an example of where we are more social primates than rugged individualists. A biology lesson awaits you, but it’s less complicated than Six Sigma so relax…
10:44 Just because we’re a lot like critters, doesn’t mean we should act like them ALL the time…although it’s tempting. The list of potential HR violations is plenty long.
14:50 All the talk of Alpha Males aside, there’s a lot to be said for cooperation and getting along. Cooperation is even more common than hostility…or so he says. Work at my joint for a week and compare the data….
17:30 You have to love an author who follows his own advice…here’s a success story from his own workplace.
22:30 Negative behaviors can have positive impact…. in praise of gossip.
26:30 You knew it would come down to sex eventually… very PG but pretty amusing.