LLL — Life Lesson Learned.

Part of the “Tales of the Corporate” Series

Learning life lessons can be the easy way, the hard way, or sometimes, we are given the gift of someone clearly demonstrating a path to avoid. I worked in what I call The Corporate for a number of decades and was given that gift more than once. (No doubt I provided a similar gift to others.) The hubris of some of those in “Leadership” in the Corporate World is exemplified by this story. The names are not real, but the story is. To set the scene, I was working in Corporate as part of a small group of scientists and technicians, along with other scientists and engineers from other departments, from newbies to long-timers. I would describe it as a cordial, friendly, professional work environment.

Daily team meetings were led by project team leaders or functional leaders and were generally project-focused. On the other hand, Management-led (and called) meetings generally had something of greater import. A meeting called by a cross-functional set of managers caused a bit of a buzz. As I recall, on this day, when we got to the meeting room, it was not large enough for everyone to sit around the table, so a few were standing against the walls. The three ringleaders, let’s call them Dr. Bippity, Ms. Boppity, and Dr. Boop, came in after most people were there. Dr. Bippity got our attention and said, paraphrasing: “We brought you all together to make a significant announcement that affects everyone here.” They (Dr. Bippity, Ms. Boppity, and Dr. Boop) were quitting this Corporate to start their own business. We were getting a new boss. Our new boss-to-be, Mr. Costem, was someone these managers and most staff all considered to be worthless as teats on a boar pig. The announcement resulted in an abrupt reaction. Around the room, there were audible gasps, puzzled looks at each other, and shuffling around. There were even some sobs and tears shed. After a short bit of witnessing this confusion, the “Leaders” nonchalantly pulled out signs, holding them over their faces while audibly laughing. The signs just said:

NOT

It was a joke. It was not funny.

It got me thinking: what part of this attempt at humor was considered funny when it was planned? The ability to cause whiplash for staff, breaking up the normal day-to-day? A challenge to observe reactions? The capacity to wield power over others? This “bit” came from Wayne in Wayne’s World, “What a totally amazing, excellent discovery — NOT!” Instead of showing how cool and hip they were, they showed their true feelings about people who worked for them.

People did not know how to react — it was so out of touch. Angry, but they are the bosses, so watch it. Giggling, but it did not feel right. Disappointed that anyone would think it humorous, considering their position relative to us, the worker bees. Just a sad state of affairs. I do not remember if they apologized — it is that memorable. I think they learned a lesson to a certain extent, but they, like we all, are human. It was a lesson I will never forget, and I believe it was as well for others in that room — a perfect example of how not to treat fellow humans.