Tyrants in the Making: ‘I’ll Just Make Them Do It’

American Greatness ^ | 6/2/2019 | John Conlin

[John Conlin]

n my MBA program, I was fortunate to have a practicing psychologist teach a course on management.

He used a variety of teaching methods, but one in particular involved discussing and debating case studies. The case studies would present this or that management challenge and we would each present and discuss our solution.

When we first started, we were surprised at how easy it was to solve these supposed management dilemmas. We’d confidently explain how we would address these issues and most of the class would agree. “I’ll just make them do this or that.” “I’ll just make them get along and work together.” Often our “solutions” involved the word “make” or one of its many derivatives.

Whatever action, we would just make our employees do it. Compulsion sounded so straightforward and easy. That way of thinking didn’t last long. The professor would constantly ask, “And how will you make them do that?” A simple sounding question, with profound implications. Think about the question. How will you make them do that?

[humblegunner]

Typical liberal

Ah, I'm a liberal.

OK, sunshine.

You keep on thinking that if it makes you happy.