Sagacious Coaching Group Blog: Mastering Management Time: Who’s Got the Monkey?

In leadership and management, effective delegation and problem-solving are crucial for

organizational success. A classic Harvard Business Review article, '“Management Time:

Who’s Got the Monkey?” by William Oncken, Jr., and Donald L. Wass, with commentary

by Stephen R. Covey, provides timeless insights into these essential skills. Having used

this article frequently with my teams, its lessons are as relevant today as they were

when it first appeared in the mid-70s. It might be the most reprinted HBR article of all

time.

Understanding the ”Monkey”

The article introduces the metaphor of a “monkey” to describe the tasks, problems, and

responsibilities that subordinates often try to shift onto their managers. Oncken and

Wass identify three kinds of management time:

1. Boss-imposed time: Time spent to accomplish tasks the manager’s superior

requires.

2. System-imposed time: Time spent on tasks needed for the organization or

system.

3. Self-imposed time: Time that managers allocate to functions they choose to

undertake.

These “monkeys” can be tasks like resolving customer complaints, handling technical

issues, or managing team conflicts. The key message is to prevent the transfer of these

responsibilities from subordinates to managers. Real leaders don’t dump problems on

each other; they take care of them and bring solutions to the table.

Coaching Points for Effective Delegation

At Sagacious Coaching Group, we emphasize the importance of empowering team

members to solve their own problems. Here are some coaching points based on the

principles from the article:

1. Set Clear Expectations: Clearly define each team member’s roles and

responsibilities. Ensure they understand what is expected of them and the

boundaries of their responsibilities.

2. Encourage Ownership: Promote a culture of accountability where team

members take ownership of their tasks and problems. Please encourage them to

find solutions before bringing issues to you.

3. Provide Guidance, Not Solutions: When a team member comes to you with a

problem, resist the urge to solve it for them. Instead, guide them through the

problem-solving process, helping them develop their own solutions.

4. Establish Check-in Points: Set regular check-in points to review progress and

provide support. This ensures that you stay informed without micromanaging and

allows team members to maintain responsibility for their tasks.

5. Foster a Problem-Solving Mindset: Encourage continuous learning and

improvement. Provide resources and training to help team members develop

their problem-solving skills.

Real-Life Application

I have seen the principles from ‘Management Time: Who’s Got the Monkey?’ not just

improve but transform teams and organizations. By implementing these strategies,

managers can reclaim their time and focus on high-impact activities while team

members grow in their roles and contribute more effectively to the organization. This

transformation is not just about efficiency, but about inspiring a new way of working and

leading.

For example, at Sagacious Coaching Group, we worked with a client who struggled with

constant interruptions from their team, seeking solutions to every minor issue. By

applying the monkey management principles, the client learned to delegate effectively,

empowering their team to handle problems independently. This not only freed up the

client's time but also instilled a sense of confidence and capability in the team, allowing

them to focus on strategic initiatives.

Conclusion

The timeless wisdom from Oncken and Wass’s article is a cornerstone of effective

management and leadership. Leaders can create a more efficient and empowered

organization by embracing proper delegation and fostering a problem-solving culture. At

Sagacious Coaching Group, we are not just promoting these principles, but we are

committed to helping leaders master these skills and achieve their full potential. We are

here to support and guide you on this journey.

For more insights and personalized coaching, visit Sagacious Coaching Group or

contact us directly. Let’s work together to tackle those monkeys and elevate your

leadership to new heights.

References:

● Oncken, W., Jr., & Wass, D. L. (1999). Management Time: Who’s Got the

Monkey? Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from HBR

● Covey, S. R. (1999). Commentary on Management Time: Who’s Got the

Monkey? Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from HBR