What's a McJob?
 Judging by
McDonald's response to one of the 10,000 additions to Merriam-Webster's
Collegiate Dictionary, managers now have a new yardstick by which they can
determine if their employees will honestly say "i'm lovin' it"(sic) or not,
with regard to employee motivation.
A McJob has been defined as "A job, usually in the retail or service sector,
that is low paying, often temporary, and offers minimal or no benefits or
opportunity for promotion."
Resources
In an open letter, their CEO, Jim Cantalupo, said the new term is "an inaccurate
description" and "a slap in the face." Well, I hate be the one to tell you, if
your employees feel that they have a McJob, you might just need that slap in
the face.
If the shoe fits...
By defying the
entrepreneur myth, Ray Kroc has a created a workplace
where least employable can mindlessly follow well-established process automation
and recipes with special equipment, timers, bells, whistles, and gongs.
All guesswork is removed from every process. Once you own a franchise, the rest
is pre-programmed for you. Some new owners balk at how restrictive their
agreements are, since they prevent a great deal of "thinking outside of the
box" that made the chain famous in the first place.
While Ray's
Theory X management style may have survived since the
1950's, Mickey D's is racing to keep up with America's need for
healthier and trendier foods. They've begun offering "better for you" fast food
items, such as white-meat nuggets and an adult Happy Meal, featuring a salad.
Additionally, they've opened a handful of new stores called McCafe, offering
coffee drinks and brioche, à la Starbuck's.
This new venture may very well become the next "New Coke" fiasco. Its successful
execution depends heavily upon the ability of management to actually allow
their staff to truly think something new and different. Thus far,
however, it seems that they're just going through the motions,
keeping these stores in line with the micromanagement mentality
already manifested.
The years have brought us many advances.
Many other companies have realized the need to embrace the 21st century.
Software exists to automate nearly everything, computers are faster and smaller
than ever, and practically every piece of information is accessible at the
speed of light over the Internet. Even the automotive industry woke up a few
years ago and started producing more fuel-efficient engines. Maybe the inventor
of the 100mpg carburetor will soon emerge from his hiding place in Area 51 -
who knows!
Most of these significant advances would have been impossible
without modern management techniques. It doesn't really matter which ones, they're all a far cry better
than assuming that, unless supervisors micromanage, all employees will avoid work, and
if necessary, go so far as to harm their host company in attempts to enrich
their personal lives.
Additional Resources
Advances in Management Techniques
Why, of all things, with so many success models to choose from (such as TQM
(Total Quality Management), MBO (Management By Objectives), and values-based
management), and management tools such as Root Cause Analysis, Pert Charts, and
Gantt Charts, are there still managers in all sectors whose management style
for performance management and project management is more akin to a prison
warden than to a career coach or success coach? Why do some managers ensure
that they and their organization will progress negligibly?
Perhaps they fear becoming useless as competent underlings
excel with technologies that are just outside of the manager's grasp. Maybe these micromanagers are just unable to
change with the times and keep current with advances in organizational
psychology. Regardless, it should
start becoming obvious to all managers today; no one will tolerate a
McJob.
McManagers Have a Short Life in the 21st Century
McDonald's disappointment with the disparaging term indicates that they fear that a McJob won't be long tolerated, even in McDonaldland. Certainly, as the economy picks up and first quarter budgets are approved, many employees, tethered to their current employer through fear of unemployment will find an escape from their McJob. This holds especially true for software engineers who saw 180,000 jobs in their field disappear over the past two years and whose employers have become more and more abusive in this employer's market. When the dust has settled, those managers who cling to antiquated management styles may still be able to find a place which will embrace their talents: managing McLatte-slinging baristas at the local McCafe, with rulebooks, punch clocks, and coffee timers.
Perhaps managers with outdated skills can survive in an economy where people are hungry for whatever job comes along. However, every economic downturn brings an upturn of greater magnitude. When better situations arise, their wage slaves will find a new master. And those managers who suddenly find themselves without a team will surely be suspect.
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