Why are jobs in corporate so soul-sucking? Let’s rise up against….against….who exactly are we fighting? Ourselves? We are both the oppressors and the oppressed.
“I have seen the enemy and he is us” - Pogo
The only way we can release the bonds of corporate oppression is by unlocking those who we are holding hostage. Let me explain by starting with middle-management.
Middle management makes up a large swath of corporate workers. These folks are imprisoned by the people above them, but also oppressing the people below them. A giant pyramid scheme of dysfunction.
Middle management is under tremendous pressure from above, that often translates into pressure on those below. The proverbial, “crap rolls downhill”. If we can solve the misery of middle management, we can unlock the key to corporate happiness.
Accepting bad behavior is as dangerous as exhibiting bad behavior. When you allow your boss to treat you badly, you are condoning that behavior and signaling to the organization that this behavior is effective.
Brain Twist: Finish the sentence, “I would be more effective and happy in my job if ….” Pick the highest priority change, and stand up for it. See if your coworkers share your frustration. If so, stand up as a collective. Bonus: If you manage a team, ask them to complete the sentence.
