Management Training Myths: What Doesn't Work

The history of management training and various work ethic philosophies that have gone along with it and evolved through time demonstrate various perspectives and approaches to training management staff. In addition, they demonstrate the changing orientations toward dealing with employees that have occurred in recent decades. Interestingly, the greatest changes have occurred in the last couple to few decades and represent an increase in respect and support for various staff levels. Years ago there was an extreme power differential between management and support staff, however recent trends demonstrate that eliminating these hierarchies in attitude creates a more positive work environment.

With this and other discoveries, there have been great changes in management training program philosophies. Certain myths and historic beliefs about how to appropriately train management and consequently treat staff have been uncovered and are no longer in place. These earlier beliefs are now considered to be destructive to the well being and success potential of a company, and changes in approach to training and staff treatment have demonstrated strong growth in the companies that affect it.

Micromanaging may be appropriate in certain, though uncommon, contextual situations, though as a general rule is ineffective and results in a frustrated and stagnant workforce. In addition, training management to engage in insulting correctional behavior is also counter to productivity. A supportive and communicative manager has been seen as weakness and ineffective leadership in the past, though this was based on stereotypes that are not comical. It is important to train management in positive communication and delegation skills, and the attitudes and practices of early 20th century training are recognized as destructive and sometimes in appropriate. One of the most noticeable of the beliefs that has been eliminated is the myth that men are smarter and more capable managers than women. There are many others that are similar in pattern and intent.