The jury’s still out on whether to include so-called “Mom skills” on your resume. But there’s no doubt that being a boss outside the home is a lot like dealing with children. Make that infants. Even in the corporate world, helming a division or company can feel akin to being stuck in Neverland with employees suffering from Peter Pan syndrome. They won’t grow up. The only thing missing is the kelly green tights.

Being a mom means you’ve got some skills that not too many b-schools teach. That’s the premise of the book Motherhood is the New MBA: Using your Parenting Skills to be a Better Boss. Author Shari Storm is an executive at a $400 million financial institution and says, “Human nature is human nature whether you’re two or 62. We all basically want the same things.” These include: a safe and predictable environment, a boss who’s fair and honest plus a clear set of expectations and consequences. She offers this advice for using your momhood experiences to lead the troops:

Knowing your role- Your job is not to be your child’s best friend nor is to be your employees’. If you’re too close, that can “make having difficult conversations even more difficult.” It’s pretty hard to discipline or fire your BFF or even give her guidance. Storm recalls having to put one of her co-workers/friends on probation. The co-worker’s response was: “My husband and I helped you move apartments last week.” There’s just no good comeback line for that one.

Talking the talk,
walking the walk- Set clear boundaries. Make sure you follow through with the things you said you were going to do. Lead by example. All basic tenets of parenting.

Taking swift and sure action - If your child runs out into the street, you wouldn’t hesitate to grab her and yank her back onto the curb. The same concept applies at the office. If an employee is a danger to herself, other employees or the work environment, or otherwise engaging in unacceptable behavior, it’s up to you to act quickly and confidently. That can mean firing the offender. By keeping your “house” in order, you’re more apt to earn the respect of your team.

Dealing with tattletales - Far too often, the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Don’t let yourself be held captive by the office tattletale. Find out why the person is coming to chat with you. Do they simply want empathy? Encouragement? Action? If they are asking you to step in and take action, find out if she can cope with the situation herself.

Taking control of tantrums - Remove the tantrum thrower from the scene. (Suggest a chat in the hallway.) A change of scenery can be key. Speak to the employee firmly and quietly and emphasize that her behavior is not acceptable. A quick word on e-mail: “Never engage in an e-mail tantrum.” If someone sends you a confrontational e-mail, take a breather (a night) and then have a face-to-face with the employee. Although it’s tempting and convenient to respond via e-mail, keep in mind that tone is often lost in print no matter how friendly and reasonable you think your message might sound.

When all else fails, break out a box of Krispy Kremes. Bribery can be golden.

Motherhood is the New MBA is available at amazon.com.

POSTED IN: UrbanBaby Picks