Trigger Question #106:
Once upon a time, my formal title was “management consultant.” The title gave me access to different work environments. And in these places I often saw strange and interesting behavior.
For example, I noticed how some factory workers took great pride in how well they could cope, no matter how unpleasant and inhospitable the work environment was. Not only cope, but be productive in all the noise, heat, and dust, working exhausting hours. (I often admired them.)
And I noticed how many executives and other manager types took pride in their cushy corporate offices, no matter the worker environment. Their cozy corner office; the thickness of their carpet; their super-quiet computers; the shine of their desks; the size of their inbox. (I did not always admire them.)
Today, older and wiser, I understand them better. Pride is just a way of rationalizing their predicament. In one case, dreadful conditions. In the other, inflated importance. (I now pity them all.)
But I wonder what symbols of pride I cling to? And why do I still need to make myself feel better at work, even though I work from home?
And you? What are your symbols of pride that make you feel better at work? If you have them, enjoy them. Just don’t flaunt them. There’s already way too much shallow swagger on display.
Welcome to my side of the nonsense divide.
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Quote of the Moment:
“I no longer strut to my cozy home office. Our three German Shepherds, my only audience, are never much impressed.” The Chief Nonsense Officer.
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