Mushroom Management

"Mushroom management" refers to the organization or individual's mentality in dealing with new entrants in a management. Because beginners are often placed in dark corners, neglected by the department, merely do some insignificant tasks, and are sometimes unfairly treated with criticizing and blaming. Organizations or individuals let these beginners survive by their own, without giving any necessary guidance and help. So the beginner's situation in a new business is similar to the mushroom growth in the wild.

In organization, the management treats beginners equally, from the starting salary to work there will not be a big difference. No matter how talented you are, at the beginning of work, you can only start from the simplest things, which is the so-called "mushroom" experience. The treatment of new beginners and young people is also like the cocoon, which is a step that must be experienced before eclosion step. So, how to efficiently get through this period of life, from the experience gained as much as possible, mature, and establish a good image of trusted individuals is an issue that each newly recruited young person in society must face.

It is not a bad thing to bear some hardships, especially for those who just enter their new jobs. Being a "mushroom" for a short period of time can eliminate many unrealistic thoughts in the future. This "mushroom" experience can also increase understanding of different people and situations in the society, thus building up more experience and wisdom. So, absorbing as much as you can from the "mushroom" experience is essential. However, being a "mushroom" for a long period of time can make other people think you are incompetent to survive. You will gradually agree with them and lose confidence in yourself.

Accordingly, mental adjustment is important for newcomers, especially for those who just graduate from college who are reluctant to do some dirty work for their companies. They think they are educated to be at the top of the social ladder, without considering that they must climb the ladder before they can reach the top. Refusing to do dirty work, they become inclined to find another job. But think about it, if you can even do small things and dirty work, how can you succeed in the big world in the future? It is a very unrealistic expectation to succeed without experiencing some simple and dirty work.

Carly Fiorina was the former CEO of HP. Her first job after graduating from Standford is receiving phone calls, typing, copying and sorting files at a real estate agency. Clearly, this is not a job for Standford graduates. But she didn't complain. She learned as much as she could from the simple work. Gradually other people saw her talent and her career began to take off.

The lesson from the "mushroom" experience for firms is that employers should not give beginners important tasks too early, no matter how talented he or she is. The beginner must do some dirty work. On the other hand, beginners should not expect too much before their jobs. Being a "mushroom" for a short period of time can make them tremendously more realistic and experienced. Patience is also very important. Opportunities to succeed will eventually come to beginners. During the "mushroom" experience, they should learn as much as they can so they can be ready for more challenging work.

Work Citation:
Smith, Gregory P. "Mushroom Management: Don't Keep Your Workers in the Dark" http://www.businessknowhow.com/manage/mushroom.htm