Turning into My Boss ... or Growing Up?
[source: Wikepedia]
Theory X and theory Y are theories of human motivation created and developed by Douglas McGregor at MIT in the 1960s. They describe two very different attitudes toward workforce motivation.
Theory X
In this theory management assumes employees are inherently lazy and will avoid work if they can. Because of this workers need to be closely supervised and comprehensive systems of controls developed. A hierarchical structure is needed with narrow span of control at each level. According to this theory employees will show little ambition without an enticing incentive program and will avoid responsibility whenever they can.
The Theory X manager tends to believe that the sole purpose of the employee's interest in the job is money.
Theory Y
In this theory management assumes employees may be ambitious, self-motivated, anxious to accept greater responsibility, and exercise self-control, self-direction, autonomy and empowerment. It is believed that employees enjoy their mental and physical work duties. It is also believed that if given the chance employees have the desire to be creative and forward thinking in the workplace. There is a chance for greater productivity by giving employees the freedom to perform at the best of their abilities without being bogged down by rules.
A Theory Y manager believes that, given the right conditions, most people will want to do well at work and that there is a pool of unused creativity in the workforce. They believe that the satisfaction of doing a good job is a strong motivation in and of itself. A Theory Y manager will try to remove the barriers that prevent workers from fully actualizing themselves .
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I've been a "Theory-Xer" my entire work life. I've always known it, but have found myself totally unable to break the pattern or the mindset. And it's caused me trouble throughout the years. I was the person who complained about not getting a raise or a promotion and being summarily shot down with the exact reasons why -- and refusing to take it to heart.
A few years ago I worked for a woman who told me "I just love work. I wish I could just work and not have to worry about money ... I think I'd work even if I didn't get paid for it, that's how much I love it." I smiled, but was thinking "Yeah, right. You're weird, lady." A few months down the road I got fired from that job. It was the first (and hopefully last) time that's ever happened. Yes, it was a wakeup call, and I think I've done quite a bit better since then. I've given more thought to gaining respect via a job well done, rather than my own scintillating personality. I've certainly become aware of the characteristics that might lead down the road to getting fired, and have made a strong effort to stay off that path. But still, a job is a job is a paycheck, is an obligation, and the "real me" is cut out for bigger and better things that have little to do with dancing to someone else's tune, and I'll just put in my time and get out when I can max out my 401K, etc etc etc.
Until today. Something really strange happened today. We've been party-oriented all week, between our department luncheon a couple of days ago and then the company-wide open house that they had today. My husband and I were both looking forward to it, but since we're a 1-car family, I knew I'd be leaving work to pick him up (home is very close to work) and then take him home later because I wanted to stay late and get a few things done. And that's what I did. Until it was time to go get him, I was oblivious to everything going on just outside my cubicle. I heard people talking, laughing, etc but tuned it out. I didn't budge from there and jumped when the Christmas music came over the PA system. A few minutes before it was time to leave, I headed for the restroom and was startled to see a table heaped with food, and more trays being hauled up on the elevator by the caterers.
My husband and I enjoyed the half hour so that he was there, but it was crowded. We ate, said hi to a few folks, and then we both agreed we'd had enough fun and he was ready to go back home. After I got back to work and clocked in again, I went back into my zone of just wanting to find clients to call and things to track down. Again I was only distantly aware of all the other people around, and there were a lot of people. Little kids all over the place. I didn't care about coffee, cake, soda, hors d'oeuvres, or anything else. I peered around the corner, longing for the file cabinet, immensely relieved that there weren't any people in that area, and made a beeline. I only gave up and clocked back out when I realized that nobody else would be at work if I called. I found myself looking forward to getting back in after the holiday when a lot of people would be out for the short week and it would be quiet and I could get more work done.
I can't ever remember having thoughts like this about work. I never understood my boss, being so single-minded about her work and uninterested in the extras, like socializing. I don't care that much about socializing, but goofing off at every opportunity has always appealed. I've noticed that desire waning in the last few months.
What's happening to me? I'm starting to sound like a Theory Y'er!