CHAPTER 5
OVERCOMING DEMAGNETIZERS: COMPENSATION AND OTHER CHALLENGES FOR MANAGERS

Dwight, let me explain something to you. I set the rules and you follow them. Blindly. OK? And if you have a problem with that, then you can talk to our Complaint Department. It’s a trash can.

—MICHAEL SCOTT, THE TV SHOW The Office

Thank goodness Michael Scott is a fictional character. Enthusiasts of The Office love his antics, but they wouldn’t want to work for him. Steve Carell plays a boss who is so clueless when it comes to management that his actions make the show seemingly far-fetched. However, through years of consulting with thousands of organizations, I can honestly say some of the plotlines on the show are more realistic than you’ll want to believe.

Managers play an integral part in engaging employees. Coaching others and being partially responsible for their progress and success is no easy feat. People are complex and different. Relating to employees and connecting with them on an individual level requires hard work, dedication, and “people skills”—the intangible quality where so many managers fall short. Fortunately, the people skills needed to become a great manager can be broken down into logical steps and best practices that enable anyone to improve his Communication skills and increase his direct reports’ Engagement levels.