Management 2.0?

An interesting post by Richard Denison suggesting that in the so-called 2.0 environment, management must change it's ways. In particular, he notes:

It strikes me, that to be a successful 2.0 manager, you need to:

• know when to sit and watch
• know when to let things run their course and for how long
• know when to intervene (or engage) and how to do that without alienating everyone
• realise that management and control are not the same thing … relinquishing control can be a good management technique … and …
• be humble enough to accept that there may be more than one way to get things done and our way might not suit everyone’s needs.

Well, this is rather interesting. As noted by one commentor, these rules seem to reflect coaching, and also leadership, versus management. After all, in a world where the employee knows more than the 'boss' about customers/processes/opportunities, we have to find ways to support and encourage sharing and cooperation - shotgun weddings don't work here!

What can we learn from web2.0 and social networking? Learning how to build relationships, nurture conversations and grow communities online can also spill over into 'real life' where the manager.as.coach can do a better job of providing resources, feedback, goals and constructive advice, and standing back when necessary.