'Mary Poppins' on communication

The tension between management and the rank and file has existed for years. Typically, an executive pronounces his or her idealistic requirements or solutions that will almost certainly save the planet from all its ills. Meanwhile, the rank and file, who are actually doing the job, have very different views on the day-to-day operations and what needs to be improved. The views, solutions, and recommendations of these two groups are usually vastly different. This tension becomes particularly acute in the learning and development arena, where they must first recognize the chasm and then work to bridge the gap.

This tension is nicely represented in a scene from the Disney film, "Mary Poppins." As I listened to one of my favorite songs, I saw something that looked surprisingly familiar. Early in the movie, the children run away and the nanny quits in frustration. Mr. Banks returns from his day at the bank and sings, with gusto, the following.

"I feel a surge of deep satisfaction
Much as a king astride his noble steed
When I return from daily strife to hearth and wife
How pleasant is the life I lead!

"I run my home precisely on schedule
At 6:01, I march through my door
My slippers, sherry, and pipe are due at 6:02
Consistent is the life I lead!

"It's grand to be an Englishman in 1910
King Edward's on the throne;
It's the age of men
I'm the lord of my castle
The sov'reign, the liege!
I treat my subjects: servants, children, wife
With a firm but gentle hand.
Noblesse oblige!

"It's 6:03 and the heirs to my dominion
Are scrubbed and tubbed and adequately fed
And so I'll pat them on the head
And send them off to bed
Ah! Lordly is the life I lead!

At this point, Mr. Banks learns of the chaos of the past few hours. He decides that he will personally oversee the hiring of a new nanny and requests his wife to take notes for the paper's advertisement. He sings the following job description (maybe this has happened at work ... maybe I'm glad I haven't experienced it.)

"A British nanny must be a gen'ral!
The future empire lies within her hands
And so the person that we need to mold the breed
Is a nanny who can give commands!

"A British bank is run with precision
A British home requires nothing less!
Tradition, discipline, and rules must be the tools
Without them - disorder!
Catastrophe! Anarchy! -
In short, we have a ghastly mess!"

He appears to be very satisfied with his advertisement. Unexpectedly, a few moments later, the Banks children, Jane and Michael, enter the room to provide a different description of their ideal nanny.

"Wanted: a nanny for two adorable children
If you want this choice position
Have a cheery disposition
Rosy cheeks, no warts!
Play games, all sorts.

"You must be kind, you must be witty
Very sweet and fairly pretty
Take us on outings, give us treats
Sing songs, bring sweets

"Never be cross or cruel
Never give us castor oil or gruel
Love us as a son and daughter
And never smell of barley water

"If you won't scold and dominate us
We will never give you cause to hate us
We won't hide your spectacles so you can't see
Put toads in your bed
Or pepper in your tea

"Hurry, Nanny!
Many thanks,
Sincerely,
Jane and Michael Banks."

Dad wants a strict 'general' to mold the breed.
The children want a kind and witty nanny.

Management communicates its vision.
Employees counter with one of their own.

Husbands say, "This is the way it will be."
Wives wonder, "But what about me?"

Leaders proclaim their grand intentions.
Followers insist there is something more important to pursue.

At the risk of stating the obvious, I'm thinking that it would be a whole lot simpler if people just talked to each other, then perhaps everybody would be on the same page, especially if they live in the same home or work in the same company. This may not be easy at first, and it certainly will take patience, honest collaboration, and appreciation for each other's contributions to make headway. 

I know, I know. I'm ramblin' again.