Management lessons from Michael Scott, Dunder Mifflin Scranton

Dunder Mifflin Scranton’s riding high. While all other DM branches have been hit hard by the current economic storm, the team from Scranton, PA is going strong. CFO David Wallace said it best when he asked Michael Scott, “What are you doing right?”

While Michael stumbled out of the gate, a memo has finally been circulated in response to Wallace’s question. Here, some management dos and don’ts, in times of turbulence, from the desk of Michael G. Scott:

1. Always extend a second chance: Like re-hiring Ryan the temp, convicted perpetrator of fraud, to fill in for Pam while she’s in New York.
2. Push your team to the max: In an effort to win the branch-wide weight-loss competition, Dwight lures Phyllis on a fake sales call and then pushes her out of his car, leaving her to walk the five miles back to the office.
3. Sometimes you have to take one for the team: Like Meredith, who’s sleeping with a supplier in exchange for supply discounts and gift certificates to Outback Steakhouse.
4. Use your time efficiently: Like Dwight, who sits at his desk and uses an empty bottle as a toilet so he can continue to work.
5. Always be prepared: Like Michael, who practices for the impending birth of his ex-girlfriend’s sperm-bank baby by birthing a watermelon from Dwight’s pelvis.
6. Never be afraid to product-test: Like Dwight giving Jan’s baby stroller a run for its money.
7. Give back: Like the Scranton Branch, who raise money after their office is broken into by donating to, and bidding on all the items at, a charity auction organized by Michael.
8. Sometimes it’s the little things: Like a $1,000 hug from Phyllis.
9. Encourage employees to pursue higher degrees: Like Dwight, who undergoes a fake interview conducted by Andy when Dwight pretends to be interested in attending Cornell.
10. Be supportive of side ventures: Like that of Andy, who plans to open his own beet farm. Or like Kevin’s venture, a mobile ice-cream store, opened in order for Kevin to pay off his gambling debts.
11. Employees socializing together leads to a better work environment: Like at Kelly’s American Idol party. After not showing up, Dwight and Jim taste Kelly’s anger in their customer surveys.
12. Employees dating always ends well: See Pam and Roy, Kelly and Ryan, Kelly and Darryl, Jan and Michael, Holly and Michael, Angela and Dwight, Angela and Andy.
13. Show your HR personnel that you support them: Oh, Toby!
14. Treat your employees like family: But be forewarned: Impromptu interventions can be messy. And try and avoid forcing anyone into rehab.
15. Train, train, train: No better way to do it.

In difficult times, follow the Scott. Because, Like David Wallace says, “In this economic climate, no method of success can be ignored. It’s not really time for executives to start getting judgmental now.” Especially not when their managers are feeling “the need for tweed.”

Clacked by Aryeh S.
on Jan 19, 2009 @ 15:22 EST5EDT