Things that Senior Managers Believe
These
are canonical beliefs of executive types, which are not to be
questioned, and which define their attitudes and behavior. Anyone with
a title of Director or above in a company, and many business owners,
subscribe to this dogma.
- I am a member of a privileged caste. This status is permanent, and
results from my having achieved a certain level of management.
- My caste status entitles me to a large salary, generous retirement
benefits, guaranteed bonus payments, stock options, and many perks
paid for by the company. This is independent of my function or the
quality of my work: I am simply granted these things because of Item
1.
- I am not required to
work. Work is an “implementation level” task. I decree policies,
produce strategic concepts, review the work of others, and meet with
other executives to agree broadly on things that will later be worked
out in detail by lower castes.
- It is not important that I possess intelligence, skill, or
charm. I can misuse technology, murder spelling and grammar, and treat
others poorly with impunity. My status is independent of any ability
on my part to create things, accurately communicate, or interact
appropriately with others.
- If I command something it is not to be questioned by anyone
outside the executive caste. Questions, corrections, or objections are
insubordination.
- The rules of my organization are made for my benefit and not for
the benefit of the organization or any other people. I may ignore them
but others must obey them.
- I must only associate socially with other “executive
quality” people.
- I cannot hear bad news, detailed explanations of a
situation, or technical briefings. I will blame those who bring me
news I do not like. Anyone who gives me detail or technical
explanations will be informed that I need something at the 100,000
foot level, and that I am a big picture person. If I become
knowledgeable or know about things going wrong, I could lose my mana
and become a worker bee.
July 10th, 2003