|
|
Like this article? PLEASE +1 it! |  |
|
Self-Appointed Subversive Spokesperson (SASS)
Written by: Lee MeadowsArticle Overview: This article describes the behavior of individuals who have adopted the posture of duly appointed spokesperson for a unit or department. This individual has a need to express their anger by trying to take control away from the manager. It is in the best interest of the manager to know how to confront this kind of individual.
 |
Free Download - Trailblazing By Lee Meadows |
Self-Appointed Subversive Spokesperson (SASS)
It is no coincidence that the rise of the self-appointed
subversive spokesperson (SASS) has taken place during the most chaotic of
times. Amongst the growing number of tasks, the seamless connection between
work and home, as well as the perceived higher levels of stress, the SASS
emerges through the multi-colored smoke with all the thunder and blunder that
would make the Wizard of Oz proud. In the middle of the noise, the SASS
proclaims to be the representative voice of a silent chorus, hoping to intimidate
through imaginary numbers and bask in the glow of power acquired from
unsuspecting participants. The SASS understands that their role is the
unintentional answer to the question, “Who died and left you in charge?” Armed
with an unstated mandate by the equally elusive ‘We’ group, the SASS finds the
cracks in the organization’s armor and uses that opening to search for
molehills that can be transformed into mountains. Once accomplished, the
constant yodeling is a reminder of what happens when control is wrestled from
the organization’s designated manager by a SASS with an agenda.
The emergence of the SASS, typically, begins with an
unreasonable request being rejected by someone in a managerial role. The hurt
of hearing ‘no’ is personalized across several dimensions and vented to anyone
within the surrounding cubicle. As the childlike, acting out behavior spins
toward the surface, it seeks out the passive acquiescence of others as
fertilized soil for the behavior that has taken root. The new found role of SASS
is the perfect shield for fending off the barbs and banter of managers who are,
unwittingly, pulled into a winless, emotional battle. The SASS understands that
the perception of collective resistance sends a powerful message and positions
that person to be the first choice for informal advice and misdirected efforts.
As time goes on, the SASS is allowed to become louder in tone and delivery as
well as demanding of time and energy. Now that the SASS has your attention, the
expectation is to keep your attention as long as it is needed.
The most important notion for a manager to realize is that
the SASS needs a forum in which to spout off. The most practical and visible
setting for the SASS to operate is the team meeting. The SASS can be found at
the opposite end of the table from the manager so as to justify their need to
yell or directly across the table in order to achieve the ‘in your face’
intimidation. In any event, this closed setting is the perfect place in which
to open the non-agenda related discourse. “We think you should consider….”, “We
don’t understand why you have to…”, “We don’t like how you…”, and the dreaded,
“We don’t like…” The SASS feeds off the limited spotlight and unchallenged
statements to thwart any attempt to complete a task or facilitate a functional
meeting. The longer the SASS is allowed to control the meeting, the harder it
becomes to redirect or extinguish the behavior. The most effective step to
challenging the ‘We’ collective is to ask individuals to voice their own
opinion in lieu of the SASS mouthpiece. How often are we led to equate silence
with agreement? How often do we confront a group dynamic by calling an
individual by their name and, specifically asking, “What do you think?” More often than not, the manager will discover that the
things that really bother people are minor, easily resolvable and have nothing
to do with the SASS agenda. In fact, as managers and as individuals, in time we
come to learn that we don’t have to take SASS from anyone.
The importance of having a media policy
Ready, Set, Talk!
How to Prevent Foot In Mouth Disease When Dealing With The Media A Prescription From The PR Doctor
Television's Best Persuasive Ads/Commercials and Infomercials
Jenny Craig Program
Article Tags: best interest, spokesperson
|
About the Author: Lee Meadows RSS for Lee's articles - Visit Lee's website  Click here to visit Lee's website   When the Game Changes Management 101 Managing communication technology Marketing Your Business Excellent Customer Service |
Related Forum Posts
Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.
Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.
by: 
February 2012 Top 100 Leadership Experts to Follow on Twitter
Please Stop Calling it Coaching!
Measuring the Quality of Your Hires
The fine line 
Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!
Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.