Page 93 - Becoming a Successful Manager

84 ESTABLISHING A SOLID DEPARTMENTAL FOUNDATION

Comparing Toxic and Problem-Solving Cultures

Toxic Cultures Problem-Solving Cultures

• Characterized by fearful • Characterized by genuine caring
attitudes. attitudes.
• Manager has all the • Manager asks astute questions;
answers. manager is a student of the
employees.
• People are mainly • People are mainly
concerned with concerned with what
who is right. is right.

• People focus on • People focus on issues and
personalities. solutions.
• People ask questions that • People ask questions
place others on the that lead to solutions.
defensive.
• Risk taking is discouraged. • Risk taking is encouraged.
• Problems are stated in • Problems are stated in positive
negative terms. terms.

• People complain about • People ask: “How can I
what they’re not getting. accomplish X so I can get Y?”
• People view themselves • People view themselves as being
as victims. in control of their problems.
• People are resistant to • People are responsive to
change. change.
• People are close-minded. • People are open-minded.