Most of what we feel we should do, or say, and ultimately don’t, is informed by fear.
When it comes to career and work environments, fear forces an even more burdensome onus. It is the primary reason the Metoo movement has come to be, for the most part, a necessary force against a deserving group of offenders. Unfortunately its chilling effect on the modern workforce goes well beyond the insidious and overt behavior of abusive pigs.
This is the era of no one wanting to speak truth to power, whether it be in a small Midwest muffler shop, or in the halls of the White House. Along with normal concerns around losing a job, and all that entails, there is the uncertainty and gaslighting corporations and feeble-minded bosses use to keep free-thinkers in line. Managers, as well as those who occupy upper-floor offices, are sent to on-campus classes offering the latest techniques for avoiding conflict and feigning empathy. This is said to make excellent business sense. Soul destruction is not only preferred, it is encouraged, as long as the stock quote stays steady.
While we don’t endorse chaos, or blindly pissing on the chain of command, there should always be room for frank and serious discussion. If it gets heated, so what? Prime thinkers are expected to bring their A-game, allegedly. They are also reminded, constantly, that they are paid to do what they are told. Telling the Emperors they have no clothes is not sound advice for the career-minded over the long-haul. Individuality and countering points of view are often shunned, and rarely tolerated.
For several years meetings have been opened with the phrase, “We need to think out of the box.” This always comes from those who aren’t up to actually ‘DOING,’ what’s in the box. Fresh ideas and approaches are best when organic. Sitting around talking about doing something new and revolutionary doesn’t translate to results just because some plebe verbalizes it.
Keeping mental distance from sycophantic bullshit is not only necessary, it’s a requirement for navigating corporate minefields of mediocrity and indifference. Showing strength of any kind can easily trigger fear, especially from those insecure and higher on the food chain. Self-preservation is an instinct that goes back to prehistoric times, though in today’s realm, it also dictates far too many creative concessions. It also remains the price of doing business.
It’s up to you how much you can, and ultimately will sacrifice, all in the name of being dependable, stable, and employable.
Questioning authority used to be an honorable endeavor. It’s what the framers believed and died for. Sadly, like so much else in this country, these ideals are being weakened, by those who champion blind loyalty, conformity and ignorance. They achieve and maintain their status using their favorite weapon: Fear.
Believe nothing, and be, on occasion, pleasantly surprised. Embrace curiosity while resisting control. Finally, always decide for yourself.