- The ‘Monkeys” in the Article
According to the article, the monkeys refers to assigned roles and responsibilities that an individual is expected to discharge in any given organization. For instance, as the author indicates, an employee is expected to play a certain function within the organization and failure to doing so, results to penalties. These monkeys can also be transferrable from a subordinate to the manager if an employee reports any kind of problems within their area of operations. However, the monkeys are deemed transferable if the other party on a higher level of management has accepted the responsibility and thus, promises to address employee concerns. In this case, employees cannot incur any penalties as the monkey is deemed to be off their shoulders.
- Negative Consequences resulting from Mismanagement of ‘Monkey’.
The article cites delay as one method that either managers or subordinators may end up mismanaging monkey in the working environment. This often has negative consequences to the party involved and ultimately affects job performance. This is mainly because the longer one party delays in delivering a response or request, the more the other party becomes agitated and angry. In essence, mismanagement of monkeys tends to develop negative emotions and bottlenecking in the workplace, both of which are unhealthy towards job performance.
- Strategies of Managing Monkeys
The first strategy of managing monkeys, which is cited in the article is having both parties deal with the problem together. In this case, this strategy emphasizes participatory type of leadership or teamwork when dealing with any issues in the company. For instance, when an employee or subordinate has any concerns that need to be addressed by the management such a an employee participates in developing solutions.
The second strategy is maintaining a manageable level of monkey population that can be handled for instance, by the manager. This way, the manager or boss is assured adequate time to deal with monkeys on his back. In addition, this strategy seems effective as there is a form of shared factor whereby both the management and the subordinates have almost equal level of monkeys to deal with at the same time. There is no side that is overloaded and thus, the probability of developing delays, negative emotions or bottlenecks is considerably reduced.
The next strategy of managing monkeys is by appointment. This strategy allows the manager to have ample time to prepare or research for any possible solutions regarding concerns and hence monkeys. This strategy also ensures that the monkey is not left in the shoulders of the managers and that the subordinates function uninterrupted. The strategy does not encourage managers to go looking for sudden or prompt monkeys from subordinates as that may be overwhelming.
In addition, monkeys should be managed based on face-to-face interactions as eye contact creates a conducive environment for both parties to contribute freely and directly. However, in situations where there is difference in geographic locations, it is advisable to communicate through phones as such attracts free flow of ideas, concerns or ideas that get direct responses from either party.
- Personal Time-Management Strategies
My personal strategy is establishing short-term objectives or goals that are realistic, achievable and practical. This way, I am able to reach my long-term goals or future obectives.