Management by Fear: Does It Really Work? 

Management is not a popularity contest. We’re hired to meet targets and expand markets—and that includes cracking down on inefficiencies and making sure standards, deadlines, and budgets are kept.

Experienced executives say that it helps to have your staff just a little afraid, just so they take your directives darn seriously. “I refuse to waste management time begging people to meet their deadlines,” says Boots, a creative director of a global advertising agency. “When I say I need something at 3 pm tomorrow, I expect it on my desk by 2:45.” Boots himself was trained by tough bosses. “I…