Thursday, December 14, 2017

The Lion



Well-played.

My shot at the characters:

The producer in the middle: Delta.

He's the normal guy, trying to make everyone happy and do his job, not rocking the boat too much. Guys like this are good employees but not great bosses.

Vince the voiceover pro: Alpha/Sigma.

He works for himself but is here to get the job done. His irritation at the situation is obvious - the producer should be running more interference on his behalf, instead of trying to please everyone.


On the topic of Deltas, I once had a boss who was always agitated in his position of authority. He'd talk down to the employees beneath him while kissing up to the higher bosses above him. Meanwhile, his wife ran his life outside the office. He was scared of her and pedestalized her at the same time.

One of the main points of dissatisfaction his inferiors in the office expressed was that he didn't represent us well to the higher-ups. He'd deride us in front of the big guys in a half-teasing and uncomfortable way with entirely too much bluster, then when we caught him alone, he'd always explain how tough it was to press for raises on our behalf, etc., and that we all had to make do. He seemed to fear asking for anything from the higher-ups and when he was later promoted to a higher position (he was quite competent at his own work), he failed and ended up elsewhere. He would play at being a big shot but couldn't fill the shoes so he was perpetually uncomfortable. Outside the office, though, he was a decent guy. Just not a good leader.

I'd venture to say that a true Alpha is usually better at watching out for his people. He will smack down insubordination, etc., but loyalty is often rewarded. He needs a team to lead and enjoys it.

A Delta simply isn't sure of himself enough to work well in a management role.

Oh, and the audio engineer?


Whatever his rank, he's obviously a guitarist suffering through this crummy job until his record contract goes through.

12 comments:

Jed Mask said...

Interesting analysis... Can see what's meant.

Tatooine Sharpshooters' Club said...

"he was a decent guy. Just not a good leader"

There have always been greater demand for leaders than there has been a supply of men capable of leading. It's been the bane of human existence, along with the concomitant hordes who want to be leaders but are completely incapable.

Perhaps it is something that can be taught, but it seems a Herculean or or even Sisyphean task.

Aeoli said...

Deltas are moderates.

Anonymous said...

What about the nitpickers criticizing Vince's pronunciation of "prime"? Gamma?

hach said...

>Perhaps it is something that can be taught, but it seems a Herculean or or even Sisyphean task.
Taught by experience I hope.

MichaelJMaier said...

Anyone have good sources on leadership? I am entering a program at work designed to push me into management / leadership positions.

I am a team lead now but not a supervisor. I am VERY loyal to those under me. I suspect that will not change.

Anonymous said...

M.M.: I had a THREE PART SERIES on gammas stepping up into management roles. You don't have to be a gamma to glean helpful tips on basics of management.

Lee Jackson, many thanks to you and VD for these new posts at Alpha Game.

Aeoli said...

Michael, here are some book summaries that may help: https://fightfailure.wordpress.com/2017/08/02/extreme-ownership/
https://fightfailure.wordpress.com/2017/08/30/the-winner-effect/
3

Aeoli said...

Leadership thoughts from bakadesuyo are also great (scroll down to "leadership" section) https://fightfailure.wordpress.com/2017/09/16/bakadesuyo-blog-boil-down-very-very-important/

Unknown said...

@paworldandtimes

Very good series.

Unknown said...

VFM #7634

The nitpicky guy just behind the producer acts Alpha and the other two in the committee seem to look to him; however, he might just be a sociopath. Alphas are generally over-represented in fiction and film.

Unknown said...

Every sociosexual rank has it's particular pathologies and strengths. Honest reflection helps make you aware of pitfalls you might not see otherwise. The point isn't to make it higher in the rankings, but to better yourself within society.

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