March 5, 2010

“Now that I know that I am considered chattel, it has really helped me define my attitude going forward.”

Feelings of under-appreciation seem more common than ever lately.  Being treated without the dignity every human deserves must make for long days in the office.  Does profit-making require corporations to control people with an iron fist and cold heart?

Of course it doesn’t.  I’ve always admired those people who don’t recognize station in life.  The same high level of respect and decorum is afforded to everyone they meet or with whom they interact.  No one is chattel to them.  They would never treat another as merchandise or property or as a holding or vendible.

Unfortunately, there are some in the executive ranks who misuse the perks of privilege to the detriment of the very people who make things go.  They intimidate and profane.  They bully and strong-arm their way to perceived success.  A large path of destruction typically lies in their wake.

Recently, a friend spoke of his experience after more than twenty years of his work-life with the same company.  Internal reorganizations put him in a position working for someone he never would have deliberately pursued.  After many years of working tirelessly and devoting a good deal of time and personal sacrifice to the success of the company, his latest boss was almost more than he could take.  Speaking of her, he lamented, “Now that I know that I am considered chattel, it has really helped me define my attitude going forward.”

While he didn’t say as much, I’m guessing that he doesn’t get up at 3:30 a.m. anymore to catch 6:00 a.m. flights.  Effectively, his days (20 plus years of days) as a “company man” are over.  Being treated as a commodity is shaping his next 20 years in the workplace.

While it’s true that we are what we eat, much of today’s indigestion comes from having to swallow the treatment of benighted managers who believe that they can’t be both corporate and compassionate.  

Craig Halsey

They Said It

March 5, 2010