Bridging the Gap Between Stewards and Creators
By Robert D. Austin and Richard L. Nolan
January 1, 2007
Clashes between bottom line-oriented managers (stewards) and creative technical employees (creators) may be inevitable. But when those conflicts aren't managed well, a company's ability to innovate may be at risk.
Most technology-intensive companies today depend on specialized and talented employees, in fields ranging from high-tech product development to life sciences research. Such employees often design much of their own work; no one else is as qualified as they are to do so. The work itself may involve intangible materials and products. Often managers can”t tell what exactly is going on. As one CEO said, frustrated by his inability to manage a technical staff, “Sometimes they”re hanging out drinking coffee, other times they”re rushing around – I don”t know what any of it...
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