As leaders, we are not perfect. We all have flaws. We all have secret vices.

Mine is "The Office."

Is it inappropriate at times?
Yes.

Does it cross the line of good taste?  Absolutely!

Can it make me smile?
Without a doubt.

The Office Season Five comes out on DVD today, and you can bet that I will be stopping at your friendly neighborhood Wal-Mart on the way home to pick up a copy.

I have very few TV shows that I consider must-see TV.  American Idol is one (don't judge me...), House Hunters on HGTV is another, and The Office is the must-see of all must-sees.

Why? 

Because I, like many of you, see traces of these characters evident in my fellow employees.  And probably you do as well.

Who is your Toby?  Who is your Dwight?  How about your Michael?

As a leadership trainer, let me remind you that office manager Michael Scott epitomizes everything that you should not do as a leader.  Basically, if you watch this show and do the opposite of everything Michael does, you will be fairly successful.

In this time of corporate downsizing, salary freezes and layoffs, I am not getting too many laughs in my office.  It's a good thing I can count on the cast of "The Office" to keep me smiling...

Thanks Michael Scott.  I'm already looking forward to season six.