Dimensions of a New 2x2 Manager Behavior Matrix
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Consultants love a good 2x2 matrix. Breaking down complexity into a simple two-dimensional framework? Yes, please!
Deciding what to prioritize? Trust in the Eisenhower Matrix.
Describing leadership orientation? The Managerial Grid has you covered.
Looking at self-awareness? We’ve got the Johari Window.
Assessing organizational climate? People love Edmondson’s Accountability vs. Psychological Safety heuristic.
Deciding which seat to pick on an airplane? Use Tuber’s Tranquility vs. Convenience Gird:
Now I’m reworking an old framework that I devised (a real one) that examines manager behaviors. Specifically, I’m looking at how these two dimensions coexist:
Time-Orientation: How much does a manager focus their conversations on reviewing the past, tackling today’s problems, or discussing what’s next?
Directiveness: How much of a manager’s conversations are prescriptive (telling subordinates what to do) versus exploratory (asking subordinates what to do)?
To understand this scientifically, I’m attempting to create a simple, valid, reliable assessment instrument. Which is a fancy, unnecessary I/O-psych way of saying “a survey”.
To do that, I first need to build out a longer, validation pilot survey. From there, I’ll conduct an exploratory factor analysis to narrow down the questions needed. In the end, we should have a simple, easy-to-use survey that highlight’s a manager’s typical behaviors.
Here’s where you come in: I need about 50-60 people to complete this pilot survey on Google forms.
Now, I know you want to help (or will use any excuse to procrastinate your real work), but I want to issue a warning: It will take about 10-15 minutes and feel repetitive. That’s the point!
If you can spare a few minutes for this project, I would be deeply grateful! It’s entirely anonymous – you don’t have to share your organization, your manager’s name, or even your own. Also, I’ll be raffling off a $50 Amazon Gift card to one person who completes it!
So long as you have a manager, you’re eligible to complete the survey. Click the link here to begin.
And thank you, sincerely.
That's it for this edition - please reach out if I can be at all helpful.
Be compassionate and intentional.