Without supervision, the mouse will play: Lessons from ‘When the Cat’s Away’

The old saying goes, “when the cat’s away, the mice will play.” This phrase holds true in many different situations, especially when it comes to children and teenagers left unsupervised. When parents or guardians are not present to oversee their activities, kids tend to take advantage of the situation. But what about adults? Do they also need supervision or can they handle their independence responsibly?

We’ve all heard stories of employees slacking off when their boss isn’t around, or of adults indulging in behaviors that they wouldn’t dare do in front of their peers or superiors. This is where the famous movie “When the Cat’s Away” comes into play. This French film, released in 1996, explores the consequences of unsupervised behavior in adults.

Lessons from “When the Cat’s Away”

The movie “When the Cat’s Away” follows a young woman named Chloe who goes on a vacation, leaving her cat in the care of her neighbor, Madame Renee. Upon her return, Chloe discovers that her cat has gone missing, and she embarks on a quest to find him. As she travels through the streets of Paris, she encounters various characters, each with their own stories of unsupervised behavior.

One of the key lessons from “When the Cat’s Away” is that without supervision, people are more likely to make poor decisions. When left to their own devices, individuals can succumb to temptation and engage in harmful behaviors. For example, in the movie, one of Chloe’s friends gets a tattoo while she is on vacation, something she would never have done if Chloe had been around to caution her against it.

Another lesson from the movie is that unsupervised behavior can have ramifications for the wider community. In the film, Chloe discovers that many of the people she encounters have been stealing from one another. Individually, these thefts may seem like minor transgressions, but they add up and contribute to a sense of lawlessness in the neighborhood. This in turn can make the community less safe and attractive to live in.

A third lesson from “When the Cat’s Away” is that unsupervised behavior can have a ripple effect on relationships. When people engage in risky or immoral activities without the presence of authority figures, it can strain their personal ties. In the movie, Chloe’s relationships with her friends are affected by their reckless behavior. Her trust in them is eroded, and she begins to question whether they truly have her best interests at heart.

The Benefits of Supervision

Given the lessons from “When the Cat’s Away,” it’s clear that supervision can play an important role in promoting responsible behavior among adults. Here are some of the benefits of having oversight:

1. Accountability – When people know that someone is watching over them, they are more likely to act in accordance with rules and expectations. The knowledge that there will be consequences for misbehaving can serve as a deterrent to risky behavior.
2. Guidance – Supervision can also provide guidance to individuals who might otherwise be unsure of how to navigate a situation. In “When the Cat’s Away,” Chloe’s friends struggle to make good decisions without her. Had she been there to lend her perspective, they may have made better choices.
3. Building Trust – Having a supervisor who is willing to look out for your best interests can create a sense of trust between individuals. This trust can form the basis of strong relationships, both in personal and professional contexts.
4. Maintaining Standards – Finally, supervision can help to maintain standards of behavior. When everyone is held to the same expectations, it can create a more cohesive and respectful environment overall.

When Supervision Goes Too Far

While there are clear benefits to supervision, there can also be drawbacks when it is taken too far. Here are some of the potential risks:

1. Overbearing – When the supervisor becomes too involved in the minutiae of people’s lives, it can feel suffocating. Nobody likes to feel like they are constantly being monitored or micromanaged.
2. Inflexible – An overbearing supervisor may also be inflexible, unwilling to make allowances for their charges’ unique circumstances or perspectives.
3. Stifling Creativity – Too much oversight can also stifle creativity and innovation. When individuals feel like they are constantly being judged or watched, they may be less likely to take risks or try new things.

Finding a Balance

So, how can we strike a balance between the benefits and risks of supervision? Here are some approaches to consider:

1. Focus on Outcomes, Not Processes – Instead of monitoring every little decision that people make, focus on the outcomes you want to see. For example, if the goal is to improve productivity, measure the overall results, rather than nitpicking about every detail of how employees are spending their time.
2. Give People Autonomy – People thrive when they feel like they have control over their lives. Give individuals the freedom to make decisions within certain parameters, rather than feeling like they are always being told what to do.
3. Provide Support – Rather than being an overbearing supervisor, be a supportive one. Listen to people’s concerns and provide guidance when needed, but also be willing to step back and let them take the lead when appropriate.
4. Be Flexible – Recognize that everyone has different needs and perspectives. Be open to accommodating these differences, while still maintaining clear standards of behavior.

Conclusion

Unsupervised behavior can lead to poor decisions, strained relationships, and a lack of community cohesion. However, too much supervision can also be stifling and frustrating. To strike a balance, we need to focus on outcomes, give people autonomy, provide support, and be flexible. By doing so, we can create an environment where people thrive, both personally and professionally. So, the next time you’re considering leaving someone unsupervised, remember the lessons from “When the Cat’s Away” and think carefully about how much oversight is really necessary.