Management Lessons from the Weather
During a particularly balmy January interlude in the middle of the last decade, I exmained the consequences of warmer office temperatures in a story called Some Like It Hot. In many ways it was a lighthearted piece, written during record breaking high temperatures. By the time the story was published and set to drop on doorsteps and driveways, the area was hit was a massive blizzard delaying and cancelling deliveries, once again proving weather holds sway over our best decisions.
As I reread the story, I realized my sources were describing lessons in management. Two office mates learn negotiating skills over the thermostat. An executive who is plagued by complaints decides to go against conventional wisdom, raise office temperature and succeeds in banishing space heaters from the office place. Whether the temperature elevation actually makes the office more productive, at times seems like a moot point. The complaints all but cease.
The inclement weather this winter, raises new questions about how to manage during the season. Will telecommuting become more routine to accommodate what are already taxing commutes as Joseph B. White points out in his Wall Street Journal story American Idle On The Road? Will businesses finally devise more family friendly policies to recognize the reality of school snow days? Will more innovation become the norm for offices facing staff shortages when ice and snow impact employee schedules?
Has an experience this winter led to management innovation in your office? Share your experience.
Tags: innovation, management decision making, negotiating skills, office temperatures, telecommuting
