Michael Scott: World’s Best Boss
Unpopular opinion: Michael actually was the world’s best boss. Sure we can all think of a bunch of reasons to dispute this claim. He did out a gay employee and then try to kiss him. He did hit an employee with his car and then try to “deposit” her into rehab against her will. And, he did try to set up a certain HR rep by placing a bag of basil in his drawer and telling the cops it was marijuana.
“BFD”
– Michael Gary Scott
(World’s Best Boss)
While most of his behavior was inexcusable, let’s take a moment and focus on all of the things he did right. Because there were some things he did right. Somehow, he managed.
He managed to run the most profitable branch at Dunder Mifflin, create an open environment for long-lasting relationships, evade the Mafia, and keep his heart in the right place in spite of his many character flaws.
Michael started his career at Dunder Mifflin as a paper salesman, and he excelled. We know he won the Northeast Sales Associations’s Top Salesman award two years in a row. And we all know how he landed “the Client”.
The Location: a non-“snooty” Chili’s restaurant, unlike the very snooty Radisson that Jan chose
The Agenda: land a deal with Lackawanna County to prevent the company from downsizing
The Accomplice: Jan (Michael’s Boss, Unstable, Control Freak, Knows Paper, Poor Bedside Manner, Candle Maker)
Jan is hoping to wrap up this meeting in an hour, coldly lay down the facts and get out. Michael evades her wishes to be in control and takes full ownership of the sale. He creates a non-threatening environment, fills the awkward silence with jokes and songs, and takes time to get to know his customer. This gives the client a false sense of being in control, so when the client finally agrees to the sale he thinks it was his brilliant idea. Once the clients’ guard is completely down, Michael drives the sale home with this line:
“Here’s the thing with those discount suppliers, They don’t care. They come in, they undercut everything and they run us out of business. And then, once we’re all gone, they jack up the prices.”
Because Michael has this need to be praised and a desire to have many friends, he established a personal connection with the client. Now, they’re friends. He laid out his humble back story of being a proud Lackawanna county resident his whole life. He would never sell out and move to a big city for opportunity. The opportunities are right here! Now, he’s praised. He gave him power and respect and then humbly asked for his consideration. And he won.
He was so good at convincing people that he even persuaded Danny Cordray to quit his job and come work for him. Let’s ignore the cringey sting operation for now…
When Ed Truck retired, Michael was promoted to Regional Manager. Though he worshiped Ed, he took issue with his uptight, no fun demeanor and he had his own ideas of how to run the branch.
“I swore to myself if I ever got to walk around the room as Manager, people would laugh as they saw me coming, and they’d applaud as I walked away….. We are not in the playground anymore. There are new rules. We have to be mature, but we can’t lose the spirit of childlike wonder.”
With these words Michael gave himself permission to entertain his employees in spite of their resistance. He developed characters, played games, and executed tricks with the skill of an elementary school magician. And while his employees thought they were being pointlessly disrupted, they were actually being motivated. Studies show frequent breaks during the work day enhances productivity. The addition of creativity influences long term recollection. And with Michael seemingly not in control, they felt the need to step up to the plate. They were their own boss.
But, of course Michael was guiding them. A man who had such a strong desire to be a father one day would never lead his babies astray. They were mindlessly working sale to sale with their own agendas of building a comfy retirement mesh black high back swivel chair. In a day and age where technology dominates, who cares about paper and office supplies anyway? His employees viewed their jobs as an existential crisis, but Michael thought it was greatest gig ever. He kept them on a steady course toward a light that was brighter than a Dwight Schrute simulated fire. And they unknowingly followed their dad -ahem- I mean leader.
No, let’s pretend it’s casino night and show our cards. Michael saw himself as a father to his employees.
- He encouraged their individuality. He was the only one who showed up for Pam at her art show.
- He held them accountable. He gave Ryan room to make the final decision on selling WUPHF.com.
- He protected them. He tried to help Meredith evade termination for selling her body for discounted supplies and Outback Steakhouse gift certificates.
- He disciplined them.
- He encouraged healthy eating habits.
- He praised them when they succeeded.
- And he showed up for their milestones, even if it meant traveling miles.
There you have it. Michael is the worlds best boss. David Wallace once asked Michael what his secret was, what was he doing right. Michael responded with
“David, my philosophy is basically this. And this is something that I live by. And I always have. And I always will. Don’t ever, for any reason, do anything to anyone for any reason ever, no matter what, no matter where, or who, or who you are with, or where you are going, or where you’ve been… ever, for any reason whatsoever…”
I hope I did a better job explaining it.
