Who's Got the Monkey?

Managers should try to increase the discretionary component of their self-imposed time by minimizing or doing away with the subordinate component.

I would love to be able to have just a smartwatch and a tablet and do away with all other devices.

What does "do away with" mean?

• to eliminate; to get rid of

• to start existing

• to procrastinate; to delay

• when you do this; when this happens

Hence we shall use the monkey-on-the-back metaphor to examine how subordinate-imposed time comes into being and what the superior can do about it.

This problem came into being because we dragged our feet on making a decision.

What does "come into being" mean?

• to eliminate; to get rid of

• to start existing

• to procrastinate; to delay

• when you do this; when this happens

Is there a decision you’re dragging your feet on?

I have a tendency to drag my feet on making phone calls to people I don’t like.

What does "drag one's feet" mean?

• to eliminate; to get rid of

• to start existing

• to procrastinate; to delay

• when you do this; when this happens

In accepting the monkey, the manager has voluntarily assumed a position subordinate to his subordinate.

In making this decision, you’re taking a huge risk.

What does "in (...)ing" mean?

• to eliminate; to get rid of

• to start existing

• to procrastinate; to delay

• when this is done; when this happens

The manager has said they should get together soon to hammer out a set of objectives for the new job.

Let’s grab some coffee and a conference room and hammer out the details.

What does "hammer (sth) out" mean?

• to make things clear; to make a fully-developed plan

• to make a sacrifice; to be inconvenienced for some purpose

• to be thankful; to need to give someone thanks

• to make something happen; to ensure that something will happen

Let us suppose that these same four subordinates are so thoughtful and considerate of their superior’s time that they take pains to allow no more than three monkeys to leap from each of their backs to his in any one day.

I took pains to make sure that I could get my package from him without interfering in his schedule.

What does "take pains to" mean?

• to make things clear; to make a fully-developed plan

• to make a sacrifice; to put in extra effort; to be inconvenienced for some purpose

• to be thankful; to need to give someone thanks

• to make something happen; to ensure that something will happen

Many managers working today owe him a debt of gratitude.

Thanks so much for taking such pains to make this a success. We all owe you a debt of gratitude.

What does "owe (someone) a debt of gratitude" mean?

• to make things clear; to make a fully-developed plan

• to make a sacrifice; to put in extra effort; to be inconvenienced for some purpose

• to be thankful; to need to give someone thanks

• to make something happen; to ensure that something will happen

The second is for the manager to use a portion of this newfound discretionary time to see to it that each subordinate actually has the initiative and applies it.

I will see to it that it gets done.

What does "see to it that" mean?

• to make things clear; to make a fully-developed plan

• to make a sacrifice; to put in extra effort; to be inconvenienced for some purpose

• to be thankful; to need to give someone thanks

• to make something happen; to ensure that something will happen

We should make crisp decisions and do (...) endless communication. (two words!)

Most problems come (...) due to poor and inefficient communication. (two words!)