What Not To Do

Once you can fake authenticity…

Why is this so familiar and uncomfortable? Besides the fact that this company is now bankrupt and closed…

 

 

Because we’ve all been in meetings just like this one.

“It’s all about helping you!”

Please. We’ve all heard this crap from guys making 50 times or more what we’re paid while they fire our co-workers and make those remaining shoulder the extra load. We’ve all heard the buzz words — “authenticity,” “commitment,” “shared journey,” “great, not just good.” Gag me with a spoon.

Talk about drinking the Kool-ade.  Jim Jones could be on that stage and fit right in.

Don’t you hate it when anyone thinks they can manipulate you this easily? And, its hard not to think that these corporate types don’t know this is all about manipulation, not motivation.

Last week, I talked about the facts of real motivation, and they have nothing to do with these sorts of contrived rah-rah sessions and company retreats. If you didn’t see Dan Pearl’s TED talk on motivation and incentives, you really should. It’s an amazing eye-opener. I’m pre-ordering his book, entitled: DRiVE: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us.

The sad part to me when I watch these Circuit City propaganda/cult events is that the average working stiff on the floor of the store has no control over what direction the company takes. He’s doomed, and doesn’t even know it.

Most of us can sniff out real authenticity from the fake kind shown here. How’s that for an oxymoron: fake authenticity?

The message today is that you owe it to yourself to find a company you can truly believe in, a company that doesn’t waste its resources on artificially pumping up its managers by manipulating their emotions, but one that offers a unique product, remarkable service, and real motivation and incentives.

They’re out there, though in Radio, TV, and Print you have to look pretty hard right now. Check out Greater Media, or Bonneville, Saga or South Central or Cherry Creek. Find an owner who will use your creativity and let you grow with his/her business.

Make your commitment to deeds, not words. Spend your days working for something that matters.