It’s really tough, isn’t it? It’s so tempting to try to go after a guy like this, but if you do that you’re really just jumping onto his sinking ship, accelerating its descent.

I do think we have a tendency, certainly in the US, to identify closely with our work. That comes with some strengths, but also with some short-sightedness at times.

I think there are also male/female issues here regarding typical approaches to management. For example, I think men are more likely to exhibit the behavior this particular man did, for a variety of reasons well beyond merely the juvenile instinct to dominate - we do tend also to get wrapped up in protocol, and to miss the forest for the trees, more than women. They tend to stay focused on purpose, and sometimes find it easier to see past things that don’t advance us toward those goals.

Lots of exceptions, there, obviously, but it is something I’ve observed for years, and research, especially in recent years, seems to be suggesting there is some validity to it. I think it suggests that we have complementary vital skills, but it is also why some people are making bold to argue that women naturally make better “leaders” in today’s world.

A fascinating topic. And I think I witnessed some aspects of it during this incident.

Thanks again for your visit, comments, and your own writing!

I love that you’re covering this topic! I have experienced so much lost productivity with smart, well-intentioned people when they lose focus of what their mission is.

Could this be indicative of our American culture of ‘me’ - and that many of us have our personal identities wrapped into our jobs?

Joe