Quickie: Why Are Toasters Like Employees?
This is my DeLonghi four slice toaster. It’s been doing sterling service in my kitchen for the past seven years. If you’re looking for a toaster, you could do a lot worse.
Only last week I (finally!) discovered the “bagel” button. Which turns off one element in each slot so as to toast only one side of a bagel, burger bun, etc.
What’s this anything to do with employees?
It strikes me we often treat employees like I have treaded my toaster. We overlook some of the things they can do, really useful things, through familiarity and/or lack of attention. Their talents in some areas go begging because we’re habituated to seeing them in only one light. We succumb to the functional fixedness bias (not limited to objects, methinks).
Aside: FWIW I’ve never used the “defrost” or “reheat” buttons either. I guess my toaster is currently quietly looking for a new, more appreciative boss.
Think Different
I’d go further and suggest that this is sometimes a deliberate ploy; either to gaslight a team member or because the manager is actually frightened of giving that person an opportunity to shine – because they think it will make them look less able than their staff!
Plausible. 🙂
Witnessed – personally and to others
I have no doubt.