All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.
Arthur Schopenhauer – Philosopher
COVID is not a truth teller. We can all see the global devestation wrought. No lack of truth and candor from our political and business leaders. I don’t know if they’re lying (commission) or deceiving (omission) or simply aspirational (dreaming). My goal in Working It is to share the truth of Disruption Rules – or at least my sense of the truth about your work.
All companies are asking tough questions and making hard risk based decisions on where to go, how to get there, and how to make margin (profit). But, you’ll be reading about the Future of Work and its direction from how company executives and consultants want you to see it. You may disagree with what I say and how I say it. However, a hard-nosed approach of the Future of Work is prevalent in many companies. The Wall Street Journal reported: “By taking a knife to the (Goldman Sachs Group) business, Mr. Solomon (CEO) is sending a message down the ranks that nothing is sacred.”[i]
Question arises? ‘Why won’t company or government executives tell you the truth?’ Well, it’s spelled ‘litigation’ or ‘reputational risk’. They don’t want to go to court. They don’t want to breach any laws. They don’t want to be fired prematurely. They don’t want to spread COVID panic. They don’t want to be ‘me-too’ed’. Let’s call it their due diligence to keep their jobs. Is this deception? Most executives and managers in a candid, but not attributable moment will say it’s self-preservation.
Question arises? ‘Why don’t our politicians tell you the truth’? As my daughter used to say: ‘This is a double duh’. Humanist reviewers may feel that this book may be a little brutal. What about following your life’s bliss or calling? Do what you love! Socialism may be the answer. This is great if you can make it happen. We’re moving to a disruptive, risk based, and data-driven work environment. It is more head, than heart or gut.
Work Lesson Earned: In Working It, we explore the big questions of work, careers, and jobs. The truth can hurt. However, I hope and pray my sense of the truth can set you free. Enjoy. If you want to contact me, email me at:
Greg.B.Hutchins@gmail.com. We’d like to hear your thoughts.
[i] ‘Goldman Plans Cuts to Commodities Arm’, Wall Street Journal, February 6, 2019.