THE "MYTHS" OF THE OPEN DOOR, THE WHITE KNIGHT, THE WRONG PREPOSITION

To get a grasp on a workable employee communications program, these three "myths" which block effective communications, must be disposed of. The first one is crucial, it centers around the self-delusion that we are all "good guys" and "my door is always open". Actually there is an inherent, deep seated "fear of the boss" and a sweetening of bad news as they ascend the hierarchy of command. The second myth is one that says "when you are in trouble send in a white knight". He will raise results, reduce costs, turn employees' attitudes, solve all problems and be on his way, all in 12 to 18 months. It does not work that way. The battle ground of the white knight is only 2 levels up and down and he has to stay around for a while to be effective in the two-level zone. The final myth, the wrong preposition, should be obvious: Employee Information should not be only "to" but also "from". A communications model for a District Superintendent is proposed.

• Corporate Authors:

  Railway Systems and Management Association

  181 East Lake Shore Drive
  Chicago, IL  United States  60611
• Authors:
  • Wood, A D
• Publication Date: 1973

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 16-23
• Serial:
  • Railway Management Review
  • Volume: 73
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: Railway Systems and Management Association

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Management
• Old TRIS Terms: Management methods; Management training
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00050393
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 24 1974 12:00AM