It seems that while I was away the office was gripped by mad panic.
Actually a couple of people were seized by panic and the rest of the office merely shrugged as they were called in for panicked pep talks and a round of 'go us' cheering.
This is the downside of working for a cult. I've done it before and what's most interesting about these places is that they really give evidence of just how fragile absolute conviction can be.
Both of the cults that I've worked for have operated under the belief that they're the ultimate place for people in their industry to work. The people under the roof are the chosen ones, saved from a world outside that's less competent, less creative, less respected and (in one case) less nice.
They don't ever consider the fact that people may leave of their own volition (why would they - there's nowhere better?) and this blinds them to a few facts about the workplace. Sure they draw great people, but they then let that talent pool get stagnant. If nobody is leaving there's no room to move up - and career paths are more important to some people than money; especially at a certain level.
They also become quite insular. They start to systemize, to try to protect the systems or the culture. They start writing things on walls. Then etching them on walls. They start to get stuck in a time - while new rivals are still at the bendy boned 'go ahead and drop me' baby stage these great companies, these cults are so caught up in being right that they stop being interesting.
And then people start to leave.
Beliefs are shaken to the core.
People are gathered into rooms.
Navels are inspected.
And sometimes, just sometimes, the cult leader sets out in a new direction.
More often however new people are brought in, indoctrinated, strip mined and allowed to flow out of the other side - better for the experience but keen on having a job that demands less commitment to the cause and more to the clients.
If I had a company (and I will) it would have no culture. Shallow. How's that for a name? Shallow. I like. Anyone wanna join me?
2 comments:
bad day at the office dear?
don't you just hate that feeling when you wake up and realise that you're working with a bunch of ***** for another bunch of *****.
when the revolution comes, I know who I'm lining up and shooting that's for sure. Until then, I'll plod on whilst treatment continues.
And when it ends? Get the fuck out of dodge. Or go to Ann Arbor and make pancakes with Jude.
x
Shallow Ltd. I'm i :)
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