Helicopter Management - What it is- What (not) to do - How to manage(ment) it!

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I read the term 'helicopter parents' and found it amusing.
Dr. Singh (in HT) says one should not become a helicopter parent.
What is a helicopter parent? one that keeps hovering around their child.

It got me thinking, about 'helicopter professionals' or 'helicopter bosses'


These are people/bosses (leaders?) who keep hovering around their team / staff for no apparent reason. the most oft asked question is some form of 'what's happening?' and even before you can answer, they will follow it up with another question 'what is that?'

I was attending a seminar and a very learned gentleman told me (in punjabi, but I am translating it here) 'if you keep knocking the earthen pot to check it, it will crack'

that is what 'helicopter management' becomes. an irritant at first and then the reason the staff cracked.

for sure there are benefits to be seen in this form of management. for the sake of being fair, let me put down some likes:
1. it accords you a birds eye view
2. you are close at hand if your team needs help/support
3. open door policy is reactive - helicopter management is proactive! (love the management jargon)
4. its good for your social graph. to be seen & heard from increases your visibility
5. you might actually do some good listening to team inputs/complaints/suggestion.

of course if all this was happening with bosses, we would not need to write what I am about to write.
what to do if you are working with a 'helicopter boss' and what to do if you ARE one!

lets look at how to manage such a boss.
You have to remember, this is a form of habit. your boss probably picked it up as a management habit from his boss and therefore so ingrained that he doesn't even notice it.

here are the rules:

1. Do NOT ignore him. it is tempting. it can be done (what are computer screens and phones for anyway?) but I would suggest refrain from ignoring them. they need to feel they have accomplished something and you are taking it away from them.

2. Whenever a questions is asked (what's happening/ what's this/ tell me....) ALWAYS answer it in more detail than you currently do. this looks counter productive, but in my experience most of these bosses do not really want to know.
 your answers should state what you are doing, why and if possible how happy you are doing it.

3. Do NOT complain. no one likes a complaining machine. do not take every interaction with your boss as an opportunity to complain. find something nice to give him. please understand we all like to think we are doing our best. keep the complaining for another day or forum when complaints are sought.

4. Introduce the boss to customers. this one is my personal favorite. it is a win-win (another management jargon). your customer is happy they are being introduced to someone senior - they can complain to them and your boss has got a new topic to keep him occupied. You ofcourse win the most. you are now free of both your boss and the client!

If you are a 'helicopter boss' here are my suggestions:

1. critically evaluate your time and your interactions. your are no longer a new recruit or a front line employee. idle chit-chat does not do anything for your managerial stature.

2. if you enjoy being in the middle of things, you must then participate. dont stand on the sidelines and pester people who are trying to do their jobs. join in, assist and if possible make them smile while you are at it.

3. open all conversations with a smile and a compliment, then ask your question. if you cant find something to compliment, write to me (p.bedi@eclathospitality.com) and I will help you!

4. be prepared for complaints. employees will complain (for a while). you have to appreciate that if you do something about those complaints, they will like you and complain some more. if you do nothing they will stop complaining but hate you. keep a notepad and a pen handy.

5. dont make changes everyday. it takes a lot to get used to a particular style of working or creating a personal space at work. dont come in everyday for a few moments and make changes. people like the sameness- it induces calm. if you have to make changes, make them well-thought out and then implement them.

There you have it people.

P.S. if you are a 'helicopter' person in your personal life (parent, lover, spouse etc) maybe you should evaluate that too!

Cheers!

Prabhjot Bedi
The Coach

As always, please leave your comments.
tell us about your 'helicopter moments'
the best one will win a FREE RESUME MAKEOVER from me!

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