Assumptions That Are Mantraps

When the organization implies that we will have greater control over our organization life as we climb the organization ladder, we assume that we will in fact gain control. There is a terrible irony to this assumption. What we have to do to be promoted by the organization system often destroys our ability to think in terms that allow us to exercise control. Too often our buying into the system is done at the expense of buying out of our idiosyncrasies. Here, I am reminded of the conformity that takes place in a large Hollywood talent agency. Every agent wears a black suit, a white on white shirt, and a thin dark tie. And everyone is short. In fact, one day a tall guy went to work there, and the next day he was short.

I see people repeatedly demonstrate their loyalty to the organizations with self-sacrificing decisions, each time without realizing it. We fail to learn that organizations have short memories for past sacrifices, except in the most heroic instances.

I was invited in a small company recently by one of my former colleagues for a session on performance management systems. After the session, employees within the firm, approached me and shared their affliction and deprivation. I empathized with them until it dawned on me that I was a part of the collusion that kept the pattern going. My expressions of empathy and respect were being used to refuel them to go back and do more of the same. The system is built on such sacrifice and would crumble if people stopped giving their pound of flesh.

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