| Topic Name: |
BAD NEWS, BAD MANAGEMENT |
| Message Name: |
Why Most TV Managers Suck |
| Date Posted: |
05/09/2005 |
| In Reply To: |
It's happening at medium sized markets!!
IT'S CONTAGIOUS!! |
| Message: |
TV Managers are a sub-species, just like any other human population: there are a few over-achievers, a few morons and an ocean of average people. But there are problems inherent to the race that make it seem as though they are worse at management than your average American goof-off. Here is my thesis:
1) The television industry is largely populated by those who preferred watching television to doing actual work, which is why they felt uniquely qualified for the field.
The super smart kids you met in school didn't go in to the TV Business. The television industry is largely populated by those who preferred watching television to doing actual work, which is why they felt uniquely qualified for the field.
So problem #1 is that the cream is off the top and you're left with 2% fat.
2) TV managers are generally good producers, reporters or sales people given a promotion because they were good at producing, reporting or selling... not managing. Most get ZERO training, so they fail to communicate effectively, plan effectively and train effectively. These are separate skill sets that aren't divinely imparted when you get your name on the plaque on the door.
3)(And this is a biggie...) There's a certain percentage who believe their promotion to manager is a reward for hard work completed, like a retirement present or something. They spend the rest of their days trying to figure out how to do as little as possible while still drawing a check. They hire people to do their work (i.e.: consultants to think for them, coaches to coach for them). You'll recognize these people because when presented with a problem they say, "I could answer that for you, but it would be a disservice to you. You wouldn't be learning how to tackle these problems on your own." (i.e.: get out of my office; I want to go to lunch)
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