For seven phenomenal seasons, Michael Scott played the Regional Manager of Dunder Mifflin Scranton (although he did take a small break to start the Michael Scott Paper Company). After Michael met Holly and moved on from Dunder Mifflin, the branch finally decided that Andy Bernard was the best option as the next regional manager.
As The Office fans know, Michael and Andy both struggled with their managerial roles. It's hard to do a job when you're afraid your co-workers are going to be mad at you for the decision, but it's something both men had to do. But who did it best? Did Michael's optimism make him the better manager or did Andy's college degree help him succeed?
Michael: Was Employed At Dunder Mifflin For 19 Years
As silly and nonsensical as Michael Scott was, he worked for Dunder Mifflin for almost 20 years. Michael was loyal and devoted to both the company and those he worked with. Michael claimed he knew everything there was to know about paper because he's been with the company since he was a salesman. After conquering sales, he was awarded the position of manager. Michael may have done some unprofessional things from time to time but he was clearly suited for the position after being with Dunder Mifflin for that long.
Andy: Has A College Background
We're not saying that a person at Dunder Mifflin needed a college degree to run the Scranton branch but it does help in certain job settings. In Andy's case, Jo Bennett wanted someone who was smart and would fit nicely. Andy may sing a lot and do outlandish things but he was intelligent when he wanted to be.
It got on everyone's nerves that Andy bragged about going to Cornell but it is pretty impressive. It's actually so impressive that it's peculiar as to why Andy was working hard as a salesman for a failing paper supply company when he could have left at any moment for another profession. Being hired as manager gave Andy the chance to redeem himself.
Michael: Would Have Never Left The Office For Months At A Time
Sure, Michael left the office willingly for a few reasons. He left to start the Michael Scott Paper Company but that was only because he didn't like the direction the company was going in. Other than that, the other reasons were minute and brief. Michael barely even took a vacation.
Andy, on the other hand, left numerous times. He went on a road trip to Florida to get Erin without getting cleared by the CEO, he was on a boat for three months without telling David Wallace, and he cried about wanting to be in show business instead of paper. Michael never wanted to do anything but sell paper, and that's largely because of the family he created at the office.
Andy: Turned The Office Into A More Serious Workplace
When Michael was the regional manager, no one knew how they got any work done. He had endless meetings, movie breaks, and interruptions out the wazoo. It made it hard for the office to focus on their actual jobs.
But when Andy was manager, he had faith in his employees and didn't bombard them the way Michael did. Andy was also so worried about his own job and image that he didn't waste time digging into his employees' lives. With him in charge, the Scranton branch actually did their job.
Michael: Saw The Office As His Family
David Wallace always wondered how the Scranton branch was always coming out on top. With someone as kooky as Michael Scott in charge, what was he doing right? Michael never had an answer for David, but he likely knew it came down to the friendships. When you create a safe and loving environment, people want to work there and do a good job. There were times when the office didn't respect Michael but they all had a small soft spot in their hearts for him, which increased productivity.
Andy: An Underdog Who Came Out On Top
When fans think about it, Andy was an underdog. He came to a new branch and was the last one standing from Stamford, he wasn't good at sales but always remained employed, and his love life was always in ruins — yet he somehow snagged the manager position. Robert California mentioned Andy as the underdog when he threw him tough tasks to complete in the office. People always rally for the underdog, which meant Andy had what it took to succeed.
Michael: Lived In His Own World
Countless people call Michael Scott childish but maybe he's just whimsically optimistic. He always lived inside his own head but it worked. People never took Michael seriously but when it really mattered, he always showed up. He hid problems from his employees because he didn't want to worry them before having a solution, and more than that, he always acted like a leader. It was because of his natural leadership skills that it made it hard for him to be co-managers with Jim.
Andy: Worked On Himself To Create A Better Atmosphere
When Michael was required to do six hours of therapy with Toby before going back to work, he didn't take it seriously. The last thing he wanted to do was be one on one with the man he loathed. He also didn't think he had deep issues to unpack.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Andy saw his flaws and worked on them. As a man in charge, Andy went away to work on his decisiveness, and he also went away for anger management. It was hard work but Andy really wanted to become a better person for his employees to look up to.
Michael: Cared More About The Workplace Thank Himself
The people of Dunder Mifflin needed a happy balance of personal and professional life. Pam and Jim do this nicely. Michael, however, spent so much time giving and sharing at work that he never took time for himself to do the things he wanted to do.
When he broke up with Helene, he cried about wanting to do all these things he's been pushing off for years due to work. He also complained about buying a digital recorder and only filming a few minutes of the birds in his backyard. Lastly, he never did fill up his condo with children. Michael's happiness was completely tied to Dunder Mifflin halls before Holly arrived.
Winner: Michael
As many ups and downs as these two had as managers of Dunder Mifflin Scranton, it's safe to say that Michael should have remained a manager over Andy. The reason why Michael was so fantastic at his job was because of his great sales background. He knew how to work with people.
Andy was never good at sales and it turns out that had an effect on his job as a manager. If anything, Andy should have been moved to customer relations, HR, or the marketing department — a place where he could grow and thrive. Michael was always shining as the regional manager of the Scranton branch.