Trustworthy and agreeable, the office Ostrich is usually the team peacekeeper. So, you won’t find him squabbling with co-workers over disagreements. Amiable, easygoing and laidback, he’s a problem solver who compromises to cultivate team harmony and accord.
The Ostrich wants everyone to flock together and tries hard not to ruffle feathers. But, while he’s good at solving problems, he’s even better at ignoring them. He won’t confront issues head on. And, he runs from conflict like it’s the avian flu. He’s indecisive, easily swayed, and has trouble with change.
If you’re an office ostrich, don’t bury your head in the sand. Instead, watch these famous birds of a feather to see what you can learn from them.
Andy Taylor from the Andy Griffith Show
In the sleepy quiet town of Mayberry, Andy Taylor’s laidback personality makes him the ideal sheriff. He’s trustworthy, dependable, easygoing, and everyone loves him. But, Andy’s tendency to avoid conflict puts the town citizens at risk. Andy’s blundering deputy, Barney Fife, is prone to overreact and panic. He’s completely unreliable with a gun – dangerous even – which is why Andy insists Barney keep the gun unloaded with only one bullet in his shirt pocket for emergencies. But somehow, Barney manages to accidentally shoot a loaded gun nearly every episode. It’s comic relief for the audience, but in reality, Barney’s happy trigger finger is no laughing matter. Barney’s mishaps are a huge liability and a risk that Andy should have confronted head on.
If you’re an office ostrich, don’t enable bad behavior on your team by ignoring problems. Ignoring them will only make them bigger. When a problem arises, address it immediately, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Remember, enabling others doesn’t help them grow or learn. It actually stunts their ability to develop as an employee. So, be proactive. Address issues and help your employees learn from their mistakes. You may have to ruffle a few feathers to do it, but dealing with problems and issues when they arise will strengthen your entire team.
Michael Scott from The Office
As a salesman, Michael Scott is approachable and personable. But, as regional manger of the Scranton branch of paper and printer distribution for Sabre on NBC’s The Office, he’s indecisive and non-confrontational. His laid back approach served him well in sales but as a manger, it results in low workplace productivity. And, when his employees have a real problem, he’s nowhere to be found. If closing his blinds and locking the door to his office doesn’t keep his team from coming to him with work issues, he quickly finds any excuse to get out of the office fast! From avoiding decisions like cutting health benefits to speeding away after breaking bad news to an employee, Michael hates conflict.
Conflict and confrontation are a natural part of life and business. Conflict will happen. You cannot avoid it. Just remember that not all conflict is bad. Confronting circumstances and issues allows you to find solutions and resolve problems. So, keep the peace in your office by dealing with office problems immediately. Listen to your employees. Help find solutions that will work for the entire team. Be decisive, and determine the best course of action to move forward.
If you’re an Ostrich who enables team flaws or you have a tendency to avoid conflict, there’s still time to join us tomorrow for the Leadership Instinct simulcast to learn how you can face work challenges head on.
No comments yet.