Stakeholder Types: Mommy
In her speech introducing her husband at the 2012 Democratic National Convention, Michelle Obama told the audience that, during her first term as First Lady, her most important title was mom-in-chief. This statement was met with extended applause.
What defines an office mommy stakeholder?
The office mommy is highly social, helpful, and empathetic, focusing on colleagues' well-being rather than showcasing professional skills.
Why is the office mommy often underestimated?
By taking on a caregiver role, she distances herself from visible professional tasks, leading others to overlook her actual competence.
What are the main drawbacks of this personality type?
Excessive helpfulness can feel intrusive, reduce others' productivity, and the office mommy often lacks self-confidence and may accept unfair compensation without question.
How does the office mommy differ from a workplace gossiper?
Unlike the gossiper, the office mommy keeps confidences and does not spread secrets, making her a trustworthy colleague.
How should colleagues respond to an office mommy?
Encourage her self-esteem, acknowledge her contributions, and ensure she is fairly recognized and compensated within the team.
In the office, while her colleagues shine with their professional abilities and thus collect points with their superiors, the office mom is busy making coffee for all. This type of colleague is extremely social and worries about the well-being of others. Therefore this is an important personality type and link in the workplace. Their helpful nature, however, pushes their professional competence behind the scenes. Hardly any other colleague type is as often underestimated as the office mommy.
Positives
The office mommy can be generally described as exceptionally helpful. She always wants everyone to be happy, brings cake and other treats to work and always has an open ear for her colleagues and their problems. However, unlike the gossiper, the mommy does not engage in spreading secrets, so is very trustworthy. Basically, this is a pleasant and by no means threatening colleague type.
Negatives
When their willingness to help exceeds the limit , this colleague type can be annoying. Their colleagues might feel crushed under their care. It is also problematic if the behavior of the office mommy impairs the productivity of others. The office mommy often underestimates her abilities. By taking on the role of the care-giver, she deliberately distances herself from professional tasks. To think that this office colleague is not up to the challenges of the job, however, is wrong. She simply does not trust herself much with conflicts associated with, for example, the management of a team. The lack of self-confidence of the office mommy also has an influence on their effect on others. Unfortunately, the good natured office mommy is often not paid fairly and does not question her compensation.
At a glance
- Helpful
- Good-natured
- Empathetic
- Cares for the well-being of her colleagues
- Selfless
- Social
- Naive
- Is often underestimated
- Can also annoying and burdensome at time
If you have an office mommy among your colleagues, do not panic! It is important to take an active part, especially when you realize that there is a lack of self-esteem and acceptance in your colleagues' circle.
Leverage her strengths are and what's expected of her position within the team. Perhaps the office mommy is particularly creative or can handle customers excellently because of their empathy. Attributes as these are often taken by the office mommy as a matter of course and not as special skills. Support this colleague by showing them their strengths and specifics.
Test Your Knowledge
Stakeholder Types: Mommy
Challenge yourself on the concepts from this article and see how well you understood them.
Subscribers get weekly quizzes and insights — subscribe free
Partner with Think Insights
Reach 50,000+ business leaders, consultants, and strategists. Feature your brand alongside expert articles on strategy, leadership, and digital transformation.
