Return of the office is really about a return to the command and control management style. For years, command and control management was considered an outdated style that had no place in the modern workplace. Command and control leadership is based on the idea that managers are in charge and employees should follow orders. This style dominated business for many years, but it fell out of favor as businesses began a softer approach to management.
This blog post will explore the connection between the return to office debate and command and control management.
What is the return to office debate about?
There has been a lot of discussion about employees returning to the office. Employees believe working from home is more effective, while managers believe working in an office environment is more productive. But what is really at stake in this debate?
The return to office debate is about a return to the command and control management style. There is proof the command and control management style is no longer effective in the modern workplace. But recent events suggest a return to this style of management.
Here are a few key reasons why the return to office debate is so important. Firstly, returning to the office allows businesses to regain control over their employees. Managers feel remote work is disrupted, as employees can easily get distracted by home duties or personal activities. Managers think returning to the office eliminates these distractions, allowing managers to control their employees’ time better.
Secondly, managers feel returning to the office creates better employee communication. Managers aren’t confident they can communicate effectively with their employees in a remote work environment. This can lead to misunderstandings and communication issues. Return to the office eliminates these problems and allows managers to better communicate with their employees.
Thirdly, managers feel return to the office allows for better collaboration with their employees. They feel a remote work environment leads to missed opportunities and decreased innovation. So managers feel more confident they are maximizing collaboration by requiring a return to the office.
What is command and control management?
The command and control management style is a type of management in which managers give orders to their subordinates and expect them to be followed. This style is often associated with the outdated office workplace, where the manager is in charge of a physical office, and their employees are in the same physical space. Therefore, the return to the office debate is really a return to command and control management.
Why is the return to office debate a return to command and control management?
There are several reasons why the return to the office debate is a return to the command and control management style.
Firstly, many managers feel returning to the office is more secure and productive than remote work arrangements. However, this is a false sense of security. Office drama, politics, and gossip are more rampant in an office environment. Each of these things kills productivity and erodes job satisfaction.
Secondly, managers feel more effective when directly seeing and supervising their employees and are pushing for a return to the office. Many managers are not confident in their abilities to manage a remote workforce. They feel they cannot adequately control their employees’ time and productivity. Additionally, they feel paranoid that their employees are less productive because they aren’t being directly watched.
Finally, managers who feel their employees cannot work independently and need direct supervision are pushing for a return to the office. Many managers feel their employees cannot work independently because they can’t be trusted to work effectively in a remote environment. Additionally, many managers feel that employees need direct supervision to be productive. They feel that employees will become distracted and less productive if they work remotely.
What risks are associated with returning to a command and control management style?
One of the risks associated with using the command and control management style is that it can lead to a lack of innovation and creativity. Employees constantly being micromanaged are less likely to come up with new ideas or suggestions. This can be harmful to a company’s growth and productivity.
Another risk is that this management style can create a tense, hostile work environment. Employees will feel angry or frustrated under a command and control management style, leading to conflict and lower morale.
Finally, using a command and control management style can be expensive. Managers who exert a command and control style will experience lower employee productivity, loyalty, and higher attrition.
How can businesses avoid a return to command and control management?
Rather than relying on the command and control management style, managers need to upskill themselves in remote management practices. This will allow them to feel confident in managing a remote workforce.
Managers must be familiar with the tools and technologies available for remote work. They should also be aware of the distractions that can occur when employees work remotely. Managers can create a productive and effective remote work environment by being knowledgeable about these things. By understanding how to use the tools and technology, managers won’t feel the need to return to the office.
In addition to upskilling themselves, managers need to be good communicators. They must communicate expectations and directives to their employees, regardless of where they work. By communicating effectively, managers can help ensure everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals. Learning to communicate effectively with their remote workforce removes the need to return to the office.
Finally, managers need to be patient. It takes time to adjust to a new way of working, and there will likely be some bumps along the way. Managers need to be willing to experiment and find what works best for their team. Managers can create a thriving remote work environment by being patient and flexible. Exploring new ways to work remotely eliminates the need to return to the office.
