Shifting the Monkey

02Understanding Liars, Criers, and Slackers: A Guide for Leaders

Ever been in a team where one person always seems to be offloading their work onto others? They're always full of excuses, or perhaps they're always playing the victim, or maybe they're just plain lazy. This is what Todd Whitaker refers to as 'monkey shifting' in his book "Shifting the Monkey". 'Monkey shifting' is when someone tries to pass their responsibilities, or 'monkeys', onto someone else. It's a common occurrence in team settings, and it can be incredibly frustrating and detrimental to the team's productivity and morale. Whitaker identifies three categories of 'monkey shifters': liars, criers, and slackers. Liars are those who use deception to avoid their responsibilities. They might make up stories, exaggerate circumstances, or twist the truth to their advantage. For instance, a team member might claim they couldn't complete their part of a project because their computer crashed, when in reality, they just didn't bother to start on it. To manage liars, leaders need to be vigilant and discerning. They should verify claims, ask probing questions, and hold liars accountable for their actions. Criers, on the other hand, use emotional manipulation to shift their monkeys. They might play the victim, exaggerate their difficulties, or use guilt to get others to take on their responsibilities. For example, a team member might constantly complain about their personal problems to gain sympathy and get others to do their work. Leaders need to balance empathy and firmness when dealing with criers. They should offer support and understanding, but also make it clear that personal issues should not be an excuse for shirking responsibilities. Slackers are those who simply don't do their work. They might procrastinate, lack initiative, or just do the bare minimum. For instance, a team member might always wait for others to tell them what to do, or they might do their work half-heartedly. Leaders can manage slackers by promoting proactivity and responsibility. They should set clear expectations, provide feedback, and encourage slackers to take ownership of their work. Leaders play a crucial role in managing 'monkey shifters'. They need to protect their teams from the negative effects of 'monkey shifting', which can include decreased productivity, lowered morale, and increased stress levels. Leaders can do this by setting clear expectations, holding individuals accountable, and fostering a culture of responsibility and integrity. 'Monkey shifting' is a serious issue that can undermine the effectiveness of a team. It's important for leaders to recognize and address it promptly and effectively. By understanding the tactics of liars, criers, and slackers, and by implementing effective strategies to manage them, leaders can create a more productive, harmonious, and responsible team. So, the next time you spot a 'monkey shifter' in your team, you'll know exactly what to do.

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