“Theory X” vs “Theory Y”

Hey all

Ever hear of a fellow named Douglas McGregor?

He was a brilliant professor of Management at MIT Sloan in Massachusetts from 1906 to 1964.

I recently discovered some of his work and found it amazing. He wrote a paper which was simply entitled Theory X and Theory Y.

Theory X, he defines as:

Those that see employees, co-workers, and people in general as a problem. They assume that people are basically lazy and will avoid work if they can so they need to be controlled threatened and even punished if they do not perform to the expectations of that person......brutal I think!

This of course then leads to the creation of environments of mistrust, blame (Oh a word I so much dislike), and ultimately drama in the workplace, and we all know what drama in the workplace means!

This theory sadly leads to system processes and structures that are traditionally controlling and hierarchical and full of heavy policies and procedures that perpetuate an environment of "Us" versus "Them", with "Us" being the frontline workers and "Them" being management.

Any of that sound familiar?

Then there is McGregor's Theory Y!

Theory Y identifies those that see employees, co-workers, and generally, all people as inherently self-motivated who seek out work and responsibilities that not only satisfy their own desire but the desire of their employer to create products and services that meet the desired needs.

They generally want to do a great job and given the support and tools do! Management that practices Theory Y seeks ways to tap into the creativity and commitment of those doing the work through systems, processes, and even structures such as self-directed work teams, employee empowerment initiatives, encouragement of employee input and feedback, and so on.

When we talk about a “good fit” regarding the employee/employer relationship, company culture is the foundation! As leaders, we set the stage for those around us! We can empower them to become better people by building their confidence and strengths or create a short term miserable existence and waste everyone's time.

I am so very proud to have been invited to be a part of a company that lives and breaths the Theory Y culture. Being supported and valued at your place of work is worth its weight in gold. The difference is night and day not just with my own contributions, but I see it in everyone I work with.

Hey look, life has its dramas, especially these days. There is no need to add more, instead, why not try and find ways to help people succeed? I can honestly say the feeling of do just that is so rewarding!

Have a great day all