How to be the worst Boss Possible - Part 13

Part 13 of a continuing series, which describes how you too can be a terrible manager. Read part 12 here.

I read with horror about a new practice of sweeping the offices of corporate America. It seems tailor-made for the horrible manager. In this case, a very high level administrator.

CNN Money reports that companies are introducing "hoteling" and "beach towels." Confused? I then read more.

[Hoteling means] employees must reserve a workspace every day - either a desk, office, quiet pod or meeting room - whatever suits the type of work they have to do that day.

Another type of the same is called "beach towels."

Reservations are not accepted. Employees simply say that the space they want when they come into play. If they are going to be away for a couple of hours, they have to pack their things.

Phew, for most people ... But for the aspiring person who wants to become the worst manager this is a perfect idea.

First, let's back up a bit. One of the reasons why specific desktops are assigned in many corporations is for people doing similar jobs can be located near each other.

That way they can help each other. They can also share ideas. Sitting near people who do something like what you're doing tends to generate creativity.

For example, if journalists are covering the markets then people who write about these points are located near each other. Similarly, if your group is the design of benefit plans for employees, then they have all the people who make them feel close to each other.

I have worked both on paper and on each occasion has helped me at all. Largely increased cooperation, productivity, and developed best / most creative ideas.


But hoteling and beach towels that it destroys. If you are late for work you will not be able to sit close to their friends that brainstorm every day. Creativity is likely gone for the day.

What about the new employee Who is learning how the company still works? For instance, how do get Dealt With expense reports?

When you "hotel" people, That new person now is not sitting near His colleagues and so Spends hours figuring out Things That Should Have taken minutes to achieve.

At the very least, creativity and productivity will drop like a stone.

Even better than That, When someone visits the office They May not be Able to find the department They Want. How would you be Able to, When there are no desks Assigned? Important This Could leave the company around visitors wandering for hours, lost.


In short, hoteling and beach toweling whos exactly the sort of Achieve organizational mess That poor managers spend many years trying to achieve.

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