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Monkey Management
Each time a report brings a problem, the monkey jumps on your back. Your job: keep it on theirs.
Goal
End "reports dump problems on me" via simple rule: "You carry the monkey, I help you".
Steps
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1
Understand: when report says "we have a problem", be alert to "we" — they're transferring it.
Expected Outcome
Immediate
Week 1, you discover you carry 5-10 monkeys daily that aren't yours.
Evidence base
School: Harvard Business Review Classics
Founders: William Oncken · Donald Wass (1974)
Coined by William Oncken & Donald Wass in "Management Time: Who's Got the Monkey?" — HBR (1974). Republished 10+ times. Best-selling HBR article.
Keywords
Frequently asked questions
How long does "Monkey Management" take?
This exercise takes about 30 minutes, practiced solo in a Behavioral format.
When will I notice the effect of "Monkey Management"?
Week 1, you discover you carry 5-10 monkeys daily that aren't yours. In the short term: Within a month, reports carry their monkeys. You free up 2-3 hrs/day.
Is "Monkey Management" evidence-based?
Yes — it draws on Harvard Business Review Classics (William Oncken, Donald Wass (1974)). Coined by William Oncken & Donald Wass in "Management Time: Who's Got the Monkey?" — HBR (1974). Republished 10+ times. Best-selling HBR article.
Is "Monkey Management" suitable for beginners?
Its difficulty level is: Intermediate. No external tools required — it can be practiced directly inside the app.
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