Google’s Role for Managers

Dateline: December 20, 2013

Welcome to our Friday WRAP – one thought-provoking idea to think about over the weekend.

This week we look at a recent Harvard Business Review article by Professor David Garvin, which was commented on by Drake Baer at Fast Company.  The topic is the role of managers at Google, who famously eliminated managers in an effort to be flat, encourage innovation and collaboration, and reduce bureaucracy.   Subsequently, they realized that there is a role for managers in the Google culture and company.  As summarized in Fast Company, a manager at Google…

  • Is a good coach
  • Empowers the team and does not micromanage
  • Expresses interest in and concern for team members’ success and personal well-being
  • Is productive and results-oriented
  • Is a good communicator–listens and shares information
  • Helps with career development
  • Has a clear vision and strategy for the team
  • Has key technical skills that help him or her advise the team

Does this list describe good managers in your organization?  What would your list include?

Thanks a WRAP!  Have a nice weekend.

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