Guide to Management Theory of Robert Blake

Achieving management perfection using the Blake and Mouton theory
By Jeff Landry

The management theory of Robert Blake, formulated in 1961, was ground-breaking then and still resonates today. With partner Dr. Jane Mouton, Blake's management theory was one of the first to quantify management styles into a mathematical grid. While seemingly simple, the Blake and Mouton managerial grid provided a fresh, scientific look at management style.

The Blake and Mouton theory revolved around the comparison between a manager's commitment to employee needs versus company production. A successful management style is able to incorporate both work and worker effectively, while less productive styles focus too much on one or the other, or in some cases, neither.

Robert Blake and Jane Mouton identified 5 different styles of managers:

1. The "impoverished style" on Blake's managerial grid cares little about people or production.

2. The "country club style" focuses solely on the needs of the employee and not the company.

3. The "produce or perish style" is all about performance and production with no regard for employee well-being.

4. The "middle of the road style" is an attempt at balance that yields only average results.

5. The "team style" is Robert Blake's model target and attains optimum performance and production from an engaged workforce.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Take the managerial grid questionnaire by Robert Blake and Jane Mouton The management theory of Robert Blake and Dr. Mouton is important because it established a quantifiable means for assessing your own management style. You don't need to have a deep understanding of psychology to understand their management theory. By simply answering a series of questions, your place on the grid can be determined.

I recommend: There are 2 ways to assess your status on the Robert Blake managerial grid. You can introspectively ask yourself a few key questions, or complete the extensive managerial grid questionnaire.

Use Blake and Mouton consistently Using Blake's theory gives managers and employers a better understanding of not only what motivates their team, but also why it motivates them. By promoting a strong group dynamic, equating worker goals with company goals, and encouraging performance-based incentives, leaders can better understand and motivate their employees. The practical application of Blake and Mouton's work can take time to develop, but resources exist to help.

I recommend: Grid International,Inc., the company born out of Blake and Mouton's Scientific America, offers a seminar on the management grid. They also release a monthly GridLink newsletter offering advice to managers on how to better put grid theory into practice. The consulting firm Grid O.D. also offers a series of seminars that assist management teams interested in implementing the Blake theory. Read a discussion by consultant Dianne Hill of how United Airlines adapted the management theory of Robert Blake to train cockpit crews.

Consult experts to adapt Blake and Mouton's theory Getting optimum results out of Robert Blake's management theory might not be easy. Depending on the size and scope of your organization, timely and effective implementation may be beyond your means. Hiring a consultant to assist you in the transition to a Blake and Mouton styled leadership paradigm might be beneficial.

I recommend: There is no shortage of consulting services that can assist you in implementing the Blake and Mouton leadership style. TSO Consulting offer a wide range of services, including training based on Blake's work. The Leader's Path offers week-long retreats to train your team. Stewart Associates offers both online and in-house consulting services and puts a heavy emphasis on the Grid Management model. Heidrick & Struggles offers an analytical, fact-based approach to leadership training. Teleometrics publishes handbooks for applying Blake grid theory at work.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

Achieving success utilizing the Robert Blake managerial grid is meaningless unless there is regular follow-up and reinforcement. To make it work, management must be vigilant in upholding the standards and practices established over a long period of time.
Blake and Mouton developed the grid theory based on their consulting work for Exxon.
Blake's theory is first of all a tool for self-analysis: Understanding your own management style is the first step toward changing your organization.