This Time Around the Style of Corporate Leadership/Management Is Being Called "Command and Control." We Boomers Knew It as the "Military Model"

 “Command and Control.” That’s the 21st century post-pandemic way of talking about the leadership/management model for corporations. The most blatant sign of it is the rigid mandates about RTO. Insider documents that CEOs are insisting on this and, yes, will get away with it. Goldman Sachs, for example, insists on 5-days a week back in the office. It got it that those jobs are high-paying ones. How many will balk?

When we boomers started our careers in the mid-20th century the formal phrase for that style of leadership/management was the “military model.” Because it had been so successful winning the war to end all wars – WW II – business embraced it. There was no wiggle room in the rules. If you went over the boss’ head, you were fired. You better not be overheard badmouthing the organization. Blind loyalty was expected. Of course, you didn’t sue your employer. We trudged into the office every day early and stayed late. That kind of face time, often extreme, had been demanded. Sure, it was wise to pop in on weekends also. 

In my career coaching I have recently observed a shift in employees’ attitude. Fear is the ethos, just as it had been in boomer times. The workforce is more accepting of the growing “command and control.” That could be a long-term trend. It extends from the application process to get the job to when decisions are being made about layoffs. After all, with generative AI, the future of work could be no work for millions of humans in America. Even I concede to the hold-on-to-what-you-got as a smart recommendation for those who need that income from working.

Data or the gut for your careers and communications? Both of course. Complimentary consultation with intuitive coach, content-creator, and Tarot reader Jane Genova (text 202-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com).


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