The Dichotomy of Michael Scott: Clingy vs. Dependable

Again, Michael Scott provides a great lesson on relevant leadership for any manager or leader today who wants to genuinely connect with his or her followers. Michael Scott reveals the dichotomy of clingy vs. dependable by they way that he stubbornly (and annoyingly) hangs out with those around him.

If you watch The Office, you will see that Michael Scott always tries to do things with the employees. If there is ever something going on, Michael Scott is so lonely for friends that he would go to anything. He just likes to be invited. He likes to go to things. He likes to be around and to be involved. His constant questioning and prodding and sometimes even begging and pleading to go to functions and parties was often seen as being a very annoying 'clingy'.

But Pam, the office secretary, had an art show one evening and she invited every single person in the office. But basically the only person that really showed up to support Pam was Michael Scott. And he LOVED being there. Pam did not view Michael Scott as clingy that evening. But she appreciated his dependability so much.

At a certain point a leader's clinginess becomes dependable. Even though Michael Scott was annoying by the way that he was always trying to be involved and stuff - his desire to be involved was very dependable. He was always there. And he always wanted to be there. He was extremely dependable. And his followers grew to appreciate it very much.

Relevant leaders can learn from Michael Scott. Relevant leadership needs to be dependable. Relevant leadership needs to be there. Relevant leadership must want to be there. Relevant leadership must be dependable.