Building a Better Boss

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Case Application 1: Building a Better Boss Google decided to “build a better boss” using data from performance reviews, feedback surveys, and supporting papers turned in from individuals nominated for top-manager awards. The used that data to find out what makes and great boss and called it Project Oxygen. They examined 100 variables and identified eight characteristics of their most effective managers. The “big eight” are: * Have a clear vision and strategy for the team * Help you employees with career development * Express interest in your team members’ success and well-being * Have technical skills so you can advise the team * Be a good communicator and listen to your team * Be a good coach * Be productive and results-oriented * Empower your team and don’t micromanage Manager at Google were encouraged to “leave people alone”. Let the engineers do their stuff. If they become stuck, they’ll ask their bosses. Google wanted their managers to be outstanding technical specialists, they need to be as deep or deeper a technical expert that those who worked for them. Mangers at Google now nee to know what being a great manager involves and started training managers as well as provided individual coaching and performance review sessions. Discussion Questions 1. Describe the findings of Project Oxygen using the functions approach, Mintzberg’s roles approach, and the skills approach. In the functions approach, managers perform certain activities or functions as they efficiently and effectively coordinate the work of others. These functions are planning, organizing, leading and controlling. The findings of Project Oxygen using the functions approach revealed: * Planning – managers at Google must have a clear vision and strategy for the team. They must set goals, establish strategies to achieve those goal and develop plans to integrate

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