Recently, I stumbled across some articles that made some interesting claims including the “The ten dumbest management trends” and “The ten worst business ideas ever”.  It makes me want to write an article titled “The top ten management articles that make controversial overgeneralizations to drive web traffic”.  I understand why people structure their articles around lists, and if you want readership, then it pays to be as dramatic as possible.  Drama is entertaining.  Also, it certainly sets the expectations that the article is going to be relatively short and what manager wouldn’t want to know the top ten of anything?

People love lists.  You see them everywhere on the internet from major news organizations to everyday blogs.  Lists suggest both a level of research and authority.  Initially, many lists were around interesting facts or well researched theory.  Lists are easy to digest, make for good trivia and provide a level of entertainment.  Lists can also provide important structure around management issues that can be difficult to define.  My upcoming webinar incorporates “Five Sales Drivers” is one example of that technique.

However, reading these lists on management practices gives me cause for concern.  Lists that make sweeping generalizations are more about elevating the writer than trying to convey knowledge.  This approach tends to simplify the complex and allow cynicism to masquerade as wisdom.  The lack of real substance can also discourage existing and aspiring managers from improving their craft through real study of more helpful and serious material.

Most managers I know were thrown into their roles, with little, if any training.  They learn how to manage through baptism by fire, relying on trial and error as their primary learning tool.  This method of learning will always be with us and provides valuable insight on how to become a better manager.  But mistakes can carry with them significant costs and consequences.   Managers must do what they can to limit those costs by learning as much as they can from their mistakes or to avoid mistakes altogether.  This is where the study of management can have the greatest impact.

Managers that are committed to their craft understand the crucial role study plays to their ongoing development.  They commit their personal time to challenge their own assumptions and actively apply new approaches to improve team performance.  They also understand that regardless of how compelling an article or book may be, that any new approach must be met with healthy skepticism.  Managers must use discernment to determine what principles are relevant and how they should be leveraged.

It is this discernment that represents the real wisdom of management.  Discernment is a skill that many managers are born with, but is only perfected through a combination of experience and study.  So the next time you see a top ten list on management principles, use healthy skepticism armed with the understanding that simplifying the complex typically values style over substance.  Instead, use more substantive material to study your craft and leave the cynical top ten lists to late night comedians.