Television programming is often said to be a reflection of our society. According to that logic, TV bosses are merely a reflection of the American workplace. I wonder if that reasoning goes both ways? If TV bosses are the mirror image of today’s bosses, maybe our managers can take a few lessons from their small screen cohorts? Here are a 10 TV bosses all managers should take lessons from:
1. Jack Donaghy, 30 Rock
Defining Management-style Quote: “It’s the ultimate game…Jack Donaghy, playing with himself. It’s a Jack-off.”
According to the show, Jack is a far better boss than he is a father, which is fine by me. I don’t want him to be my daddy. Jack can act like a douche, but I think that just stems from his desperation to be seen and respectedas a successful businessman. Aside from his tendency to behave like an egotistical jerk, a lot can be learned from Jack. He’s a conscientious, straightforward guy who somehow manages to keep his eye on the bottom line while protecting his employees from their own incompetence.
2. Sam Malone, Cheers
Defining Management-style Quote: “I’m Sam Malone. I’m the owner of the bar, here. You want anything, you just call me.”
Tending bar is hard work – you’re on your feet all day, dealing with drunks, for a small hourly wage and even smaller tips. But Sam Malone somehow manages to make bartending look easy and enjoyable. Besides, how hard could it be to pour a few beers for an out-of-work accountant and a lazy mailman all day? Sam is also a former relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, so he’d probably let you watch baseball games during your shifts and he might even be able to get you tickets to some games. Who wouldn’t want to work someplace where everybody knows your name?
2. Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Star Trek: The Next Generation
Defining Management-style Quote: “Make it so.”
Captain Picard is the perfect manager for several reasons – he knows his job and The Enterprise, incredibly well, he solicits feedback from his staff and listens to their input, he handles crew issues with discretion and compassion, and he looks pretty good in a unitard. I wouldn’t mind spending some time among the stars with him. I might even make him a few cups of earl grey. Hot, naturally.
4. Michael Scott, The Office
Defining Management-style Quote: “Do I want to be feared or loved? That’s a good question. I want both. I people to be afraid of how much they love me!”
The best thing about working for Michael Scott is his unpredictability. Unlike my boss who gets into the office everyday at 7:30am, wearing different versions of the same boring suit, Michael Scott would add some excitement and randomness to the work day. While you may have to listen to him blurt out, “that’s what she said,” to every double entendre or sit through one of his homemade YouTube videos, at least you’ll have job security. All you have to do is tell Michael you’ve got his back and he will never fire you.
5. Leo from That 70’s Show
Defining Management-style Quote: “Alright, you’re hired. But you’re on probation. No wait, I’m on probation. I’ve gotta go see my probation officer, man.”
Leo’s one and only management rule – don’t burn down the Photo Hut. You could easily sit around and watch TV all day and he’d be thrilled with your performance. Plus, you could even get away with coming in late and leaving early; since Leo’s always in an altered mental state, you could tell him you showed up and left on time and he’d most likely believe you. If not, just give it a little time and he’ll likely forget all together.
6. Angela Bower, Who’s the Boss?
Defining Management-style Quote: “You threatened my son? It seems to be working.”
Angela is a trail-blazer. She hired a not-so-bright, overly macho (Oh, hey, hey, oh) guy to clean her house and care for her son and aging mother. While I wouldn’t want to take over the household chores, I wouldn’t mind working for her at her ad agency. Since she’s got the hots for her housekeeper, chances are she wouldn’t be in the office too much anyway.
7. Jimmy James, News Radio
Defining Management-style Quote: “Dave, loosen up a little bit. A good boss has to loosen up now and again. Case in point: me. I’m half loaded right now.”
There are a lot of eccentric billionaire bosses in the world of TV, but Jimmy James is one of the friendliest. What’s great about Jimmy is his hands-on management approach. Sure, it can come across as micromanagement, but he means well and has earned the trust and respect of his employees. In fact, he frequently makes himself available to help his staff solve personal and professional dilemmas.
8. Lou Grant, The Mary Tyler Moore Show
Defining Management-style Quote: “Rule number one: never hire friends. I hired a friend once and you know what happened? Worked out great. But that’s me. You couldn’t handle it.”
Lou Grant somehow manages to successfully balance being tough with being tender at the same time. He’s not afraid to tell you what he thinks or give you a swift kick in the ass if warranted. He’s a man’s man, but he’s not afraid to ask for help when needed. What I like most about Lou is his reason for hiring Mary. He hired her because she had spunk, even though he despises spunk. He’d be tough to work for, but he’d be a great mentor and friend.
9. Charlie Townsend, Charlie’s Angels
Defining Management-style Quote: “Hello Angels.”
The first thing that I love about Charlie as a boss is his absenteeism. How great would it be to work for someone who isn’t constantly hovering over your cube wall asking about reports and status updates? With Charlie, you get a quick phone call with the facts of your next project then he pays for your undercover antics as he remains quiet in the background. He also seems to genuinely care for his employees and isn’t afraid to offer them encouragement and support.
10. Michael Brady, The Brady Bunch
Defining Management-style Quote: “A gift is only a good thing when the giver has given thought to that gift. But when the gift the giver gives gives grief, then that gift should give the givee regrets.”
Aside from the fact that he expects you to move in with his family and care for his brood on vacations, Michael Brady would be an ideal boss. He would treat you like a member of his family, which means he’d never be overly demanding or critical, and as long as you listen to his babbling, you could pretty much have run of the Brady mansion. With no real glass in the doors and windows and no toilets in the house, how much is there really to clean?
{ 0 comments }