ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

“Hello, in case you don’t know me, my name is X. I look after Y and today I’d like to take just a few moments of your time to ZZZzzzzzzzzz”

So the Stepford Wife Manager begins his presentation to the senior management team. Just like last quarter. Just like the woman that preceded him this morning.

Stepford Wife Manager Syndrome or Middle Manager Syndrome. It is exhibited in many ways. It is safe, mediocre and dull. I can see nothing wrong at all with having a middle management role. Acting like bored “Stepford Wife” middle managers the world over is the problem.

I get to sit in a lot of presentations across all sectors and I get to see a lot of Stepford Wife Managers. They are good people. But their Tiger has given them a real chewing and they are using the Rulebook and the safety of numbers to stay safe from it. It’s not safe, though.

You know who they are. But how do you know? Make a list of their collective attributes, their badges of honour and their tribal customs, the Rules and norms that they cherish. Then take a long look in the mirror.  

The world is changing fast. The industrial age is over. A new age has dawned and the Stepford Wife Manager is lagging dangerously behind.

Over to you.

Jim.

Click on the image to view the Rule 2 video

Click on the image to view the Rule 6 video