New / Old Management techniques 3

[wes616]

I know the management at my company could learn a few things from this. Both from a management and an ethical standpoint. Thought I might share

10 Cowboy Steps To Management

Management from a business perspective is really the embodiment of
leadership. It's for that very reason we need look no further than
the cowboy to understand 10 keys to leadership in business and life.
A cowboy understands if his word isn't worth something then there's
not much one can say. A cowboy understands standards matter, and
values count for something.


The cowboy puts the job first. Riding for the brand means something.
He takes care of his horse, the cattle, the land, his family and his
friends before himself. To a cowboy, principles aren't platitudes;
they're the foundation that guides his life. Self-sacrifice, loyalty
and commitment to higher ideals not only engenders respect it is the
foundation of true success.


He leads by example. A cowboy never starts a job without a clear
understanding of what he wants to accomplish. He sets the highest
standard and expectations for his own actions and efforts, and
expects no less from those who sign on with him.


Cowboys don't panic. They understand that in the midst of a stampede,
one must keep his head. It isn't that they aren't scared in a time of
crisis, but their code is so engrained that there's no dilemma over
how to respond. They have a quiet confidence that comes from knowing
all you can do is your best, and that's usually enough.


The cowboy's code, his values, his relationship with his Maker, and
his loyalty to a friend are intimately understood. A cowboy
understands there are things worth dying for, and a man who's
uncompromising on his core beliefs is a man people willingly follow.


For cowboys, it isn't the accolades. It's getting the job done and
performing well that matters. It's all about teamwork. Take rodeo
competitors as an example. Even while fiercely independent and
intensely competitive, everyone is there to pull the other's rope, or
even loan their best horse.


A cowboy is loyal -- almost to a fault. If you can't prevent your
friend from wading into a wreck, then you're obliged to follow him
in.


A cowboy may be a man of passion, but his trademark is patience. The
cowboy embodies the combination of keeping one's head but almost
always opts for action rather than wait for a better opportunity or
more information.


A cowboy is forward-looking but understands the future is built on
the legacy of the past. Today's success is dependent on yesterday's
efforts. That, in turn, lays the foundation for the future.

Whether it's drought, uncooperative cows or a seemingly monumental
task, a cowboy is committed for the long haul. Dependent on Mother
Nature, he knows that, while it's possible to take shortcuts to
achieve short-term goals, long-term success is often dependent on
making the hard choices now.


A cowboy never writes a check he can't cash. He understands the
outcome may be uncertain but his willingness to give his all never
is. A cowboy has a plan, but he has a gift of focusing on the
important things. He doesn't over-analyze a problem, but simply
understands the objective and is willing to adapt when outside
factors change.
-- Troy Marshall

I read this in an email from Beef Magazine cow/calf weekly..hope u
enjoyed as much as I did

 

[GregLocock]

Oh ho, so when the Indian engineers call me a cowboy it's a compliment? Didn't sound like it at the time!

Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[wes616]

I always take it as a compliment. If they are saying it in a derogatory way, then it is them who is incorrect, not I.

 

[dbuzz]

A 'cowboy' has a completely different meaning in engineering and construction in my part of the world; a reckless or irresponsible person who ignores potential risks.

I guess in the United States there's a certain romanticism regarding cowboys that may not stretch too far beyond her borders. Having said that, I once worked with a Croatian who loved wearing waistcoats and listening to Jonny Cash.

 

[MikeHalloran]

It means reckless here in the USA, too ... , or maybe 'almost reckless', as in "not over- analyzing a problem", but just doing something about it, _now_.

In an engineer's world, there is usually time to consider alternatives and evaluate their potential outcomes, and engineers may focus on this activity until they run out of time, or money.

In a cowboy's world, doing nothing is sure to have no positive effect, where as doing _anything_ has a finite statistical chance of making things better.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[wes616]

Ah, debuz, this perception of cowboy is induced by hollywood and actors like John Wayne. It is a definition far from the truth. No one would would like their livelyhood typecast in this way. THIS FORUM IS A PRIME EXAMPLE. People constantly saying that "ENGINEERS ARE PORTRAYED IN SUCH A NEGATIVE LIGHT BY HOLLYWOOD!"

A discussion of the symantics of the word "cowboy" should be moved to the Engineering language and Grammer Skills Section of this forum.

I had hoped that this article would inspire some thought beyond the term "cowboy". There is a greater message to be gained here. Much more than an arguement over the word cowboy.

And so you know, in certain parts of this world, where I am from, being called a cowboy is somthing to be worn with pride and distinction.

Wes C.

 

[TheTick]

Thank you, Wes. I enjoyed this in the spirit it was intended, especially considering the source (Beef Magazine cow/calf weekly).

I agree that "cowboy" has negative connotations in general. Again, consider the source and the original intended audience.

I tend to look at things like a sailor. There are few things like sailing that put one in the position of having lives depend on the quality of one's work. It would be an interesting exercise (for someone else) to adapt this creed to a sailor's point of view.

 

[jgailla]

I read somewhere that many people spend their time trying to get into a social circle, work, club, whatever. It is easy to give up your beliefs and honor when social circles are important. The author went on to say that in most professions, there will be a group of people who are not recognized by anyone but their own kind, those who put honesty and integrity above social advancement. This is the only circle worth being in, sailor, soldier, cowboy, or clerk.

 

[TheTick]

Star for you, jgailla. Many can recite a creed; precious few can live it.

 

[jgailla]

Reciting is easy. The world ain't beat me down yet. I want to stand as long as I can.

 

[DrillerNic]

ThH question I would want to ask regardless of the cowboy theory of management is this:

Considering the huge amount of effort that goes into Management Theory and education (think of the resources invested in the 'gold standard' of management education, the MBA, all that 'just in time' and 'teamworking' and 'pursuit of excellence' guff), how come most management is so shite?

 

[andyenergy]

DrillerNic -
Is it? One thing that humans have a problem with is change. Change is not always bad. I agree with you sentiments to a point and 'management' has certainly changed in my working lifetime - less old school and up through the ranks progression and more of a straight management/business school model. Sometimes its best to take a cold eye look at stuff. The way business is run is very very different to how it was and can be diffferent over very short periods of time.

We're here for a short time. Go with the flow. If the flow isn't how you like it get out and swim in a different river. Or try and change the flow, but that's harder, but can be quite rewarding....

 

[MikeHalloran]

Most engineers think that most managers are pretty terrible, but that's a perception problem, that I can clarify:

A manager's job is the practice of politics. Anything else (s)he does is a hobby.

Politics is the art/science/con of distributing other people's money.

Engineering managers get way more money than engineers.

Any questions?



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[BJC]

If your in management or thinking of it the one book that you need to have is "The Human Side of Enterprise" by Douglas McGregor.
If you didn't learn a lot of it a home you have an uphill struggle. A lot of it is stuff your mother should have taught you.

 

[wes616]

Someone once told me that the "business school" model was created by the old vanguard of businessmen in the early 20th century when they realized that their children, that had never worked a day in their lives would eventually be running their companies.

If you read this months INC. MAGAZINE there is a fabulous article regarding why lots of sucessful businessmen invest heavly in MBA Entrepenuership Programs. They create endowed chairs, that can not be filled, because of the way the academic structure of business school is set up.

Wes C.

 

[BJC]

wes616

The primary function of all colleges, business schools included is to provide jobs for professors. If you analyze them in that context they are very logical. Students are just a vehicle for them to meet their goal.

 

[wes616]

I have to say that I am a product of this, as my Father is a Professor of Engineering. At this point in his career (almost in retirement), he just wants to do his research and be left alone. Except for the couple of students he employs. Thank god for Tenure! - But fortunately for his students, he does have an open door policy... if you can find him in one of his labs.

In all fairness, when I was young, he was never around because of his dedication to teaching (everyone says his students sare more prepared after HIS classes than from other teachers), but I think the years have worn him down.

Wes C.