14 February 2008

The Tenth Element of Great Managing

Executives who think friendships are none of their business don’t understand human nature

by Rodd Wagner and James K. Harter

Adapted from 12: The Elements of Great Managing (Gallup Press, December 2006)

Measured by the statement "I have a best friend at work," this element has proven to be incredibly controversial to executives. But those business leaders who think friendships are none of their business don’t understand human nature, according to the authors of 12: The Elements of Great Managing.

James K. Harter, Ph.D., is Chief Scientist Workplace Management and Well-Being for Gallup. He is coauthor of the New York Times bestseller 12: The Elements of Great Managing (Gallup Press, December 2006).

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Rodd Wagner is a Principal for Gallup. He is coauthor of the New York Times bestseller 12: The Elements of Great Managing (Gallup Press, December 2006). Wagner's latest book, Power of 2, is scheduled for publication in November 2009.

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Reader Comments

Andrea Sig Posted On 2/14/2008 2:32:16 PM

I enjoyed the article -- it helps to put the rational face on this question, which always raises eyebrows! My own concern about this statement in the Q12 is the word "best." Best is a superlative; there's only one "best." So, if my "best" friend is not at work (and he's not, sicne he is my husband!), I can't answer the question affirmatively. I always wondered why Gallup didn't use the word "good" friend -- which we may have many of, some of which (hopefully) are at work!

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karen browning Posted On 2/14/2008 2:37:24 PM

I can't seem to get logged in. HELP

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Barbara Sanford, Managing Editor, GMJ Posted On 2/15/2008 5:15:22 PM

Dear Ms. Browning:

Please e-mail GallupHelp@gallup.com for assistance with logging in.

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Gene Ames Posted On 2/16/2008 7:54:02 AM

Although controversial, if an employee doesn't have the opportunity to confide in a co-worker on a personal level from time to time, it's just work. The question is highly relevant and should remain in the Q12.

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julie.stephens@ahss.org Stephens Posted On 2/19/2008 10:59:15 AM

I agree that, though controversial, the question should remain. Whether or not individuals buy in to the question, it still paints the productivity picture it was intended for. The harder an individual judges the best friend question, reading into it, the more valuable the "strongly agree" answer is to us. This is one question that people aren't likely to just "score average or agree without much thought" as tends to happen on alot of surveys. It's very specific, more so than some of the other Q12 items. It seems to generate more differentiation across answers than others. If we only asked simple, shallow questions on a survey, or only questions people like - we really wouldn't be doing ourselves any favors. From challenge comes change.

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