Office Park Blues

Preface: My dear friend mentioned that I might not want to publish something like the following entry. Making any negative comment about a job can be a perilous move for one's future employment. I understand what she is saying and have, in part, reworked some of my comments. I should also mention that where I work is a wonderfully rare environment; a place with a fantastic mission that is all about social justice. I believe that our company positively influences the health of the surrounding community. But within all great companies are everyday people who, in the course of doing something good, can break down a human resource. My hope is that this storytelling blog will post about lessons learned during the tough days. 

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On days like these I try to remember that work is only part of my life even though the burdens of a job well done can be fully consuming. Some days you take one for the team. Other days you take one when it is not your fault. Today was my turn. And since I am middle and not management I sat there wide eyed and took it. It made me think about the way American companies manage people, politics, and time. Here are some things I will try to remember in a few short years when I become obscenely successful. 

I will list them below even though it reads like a bad chain letter.

1. Identify and address power struggles before they negatively effect the company.

2. Hire people you believe in to help elevate the desire to over-manage.

3. Remember what it felt like to do the work if you are delegating the work.

4. To belittle someone in front of others is an act of public shaming and an abuse of power. It hurts group morale, respect and trust.