Management Training:
Management Courses - Game Players on the Job: The Steady Bovine
The Steady Bovine - you know who they are. They are the go-to person because not only do their know their area of work extremely well, they also know a lot of the history of the business, its problems, and often they have the solutions too. They don't play a game per se unless it is deemed that "quiet and unassuming" is a game; they are part of the fabric of the organization which needs to be taken into account for all the right reasons.
If they are so valuable, why aren't they in top management? Think of a wallflower personality. Usually these types of personalities are seen as low affect, not too personable though pleasant and not flashy in their dress, sometimes they are downright dowdy. They have been with the company for so long they seem to be a part of the furniture!
Because they lack "flash", they are often by-passed for promotion. We all know that "flash" rather than "substance" is often the basis for management promotions - attend the right parties, golf on the right golf courses, dress to the nth degree, be boisterous and self-promoting, talk endlessly without really saying anything of value and be able to ingratiate yourself with the bosses.
The Steady Bovine is the exact opposite. Their values are totally different, in that they value understanding, knowledge and the ability to get the job done as efficiently and capably as possible. They solve the problems and do excellent work but they have a rather "quiet" disposition. Of course, as a manager they are actually excellent, and certainly the ideal person to have in management.
Interesting to note that if a management consultant is brought into a company, the consultants seek out The Steady Bovine, and wine and dine them, because the consultant knows full well that this person really knows their stuff and the issues the company faces. The consultant also knows that The Steady Bovine will have the possible solutions too.
There is great wisdom in these people. Their social development may not be as advanced as some, but their steadiness and knowledge base are invaluable. They excel in their own jobs, in executing temporary projects, and if properly integrated, in management. It is important not to throw this person into management during a crisis - it won't work; they'll collapse under the weight of being thrust into a chaotic situation for which they have not been suitably groomed. However, if they are brought through the ranks in a progressive way, they will shine and become the pillar, the Gothic cathedral supporting column, of the management team.
I have known many of these people in my working career and admired the solidifying effect they have on the workplace. For new people to the organization, they helped a great deal in getting new people up to speed. Their work could always be counted on for good results and they loved to be consulted on a variety of issues. They provided honest, no nonsense appraisals of the situations as well as some possible solutions in such a way that was helpful and without expectation. They were also discounted by others sometimes, which is really sad and stupid too because The Steady Bovine helps anyone who asks politely. Quite a treasure!
Lorraine Armas:
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Management Courses
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