Regarding “Techniques do not a manager make” by Jack H. Grossman (Op-Ed, March 9): I applaud Mr. Grossman’s observations and agree strongly that a manager’s attitudes and values drive successful and effective management behavior. Enduring values and attitudes, however, are not formed by mandate or logic. In the adult, they are most frequently the product of experience, observation and reflection.
“Techniques” to promote manager (or teacher) learning and integration of new skills and strategies are usually no more than “common sense” behaviors that are grounded in positive and productive value principles. No one “technique” will spring loose the cause for reflection nor the quality of learning that leads to real change in managing others. “Packaging” the same principle in a different “technique” or strategy gives us one more way to reach one more person and helps develop their organizational or management effectiveness.
The superficial application of “techniques” will not work, as Mr. Grossman currently points out, but as learning vehicles they can lead to the kinds of experiences needed to stimulate critical changes in managers’ attitudes and values and, hence, higher quality, enduring management behaviors.
