Reviewing Google’s Project Oxygen

“Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality. ” By Warren Bennis

I was reviewing my notes on Google’s ‘Oxygen Project’ (yes I know that is from years ago – 2012 to be exact) this week and it got me thinking about why I never took actions on the notes I had down such as how does it fit into education?

Let’s back track a little. For those of you that never heard about Google’s Project Oxygen. “Google’s Project Oxygen was designed to identify what successful Google managers do. Too often, training departments try to help managers improve their competencies — traits of good managers. But changing traits rarely works. Instead, Google chose to teach managers what to do.” They took their extensive research and found that there were “8 Behaviors of Great Managers”.

1. Be a good coach.

2. Empower; don’t micromanage.

3. Be interested in direct reports, success and well-being.

4. Don’t be a sissy: Be productive and results-oriented.

5. Be a good communicator and listen to your team.

6. Help your employees with career development.

7. Have a clear vision and strategy for the team.

8. Have key technical skills so you can advise the team.

With a few minor tweaks, I think these 8 behaviors also fit any leader verse just managers.

Be a Good Coach Provide specific feedback Solution orientated	Empower Your Staff Don’t micromanage Be a lead learner
Be interested in your staff Know their passions	Be productive and results-oriented Help prioritize tasks
Be a good communicator and listen to your staff Two Way Street	Help your staff with career development Let them lead PD/trainings
Have a clear vision and strategy for the school Involve the team Keep them focused on the goals	Have key skills so you can advise the school Change Agent Problem Solving

 

“Google’s Project Oxygen Pumps Fresh Air Into Management – TheStreet.” 2016. 19 Jun. 2016 <https://www.thestreet.com/story/12328981/1/googles-project-oxygen-pumps-fresh-air-into-management.html>

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