Creative Communications

“Business as usual”

Isn’t that a phrase that conjures up images of unspeakable immorality in the name of the pursuit of the almighty dollar? I grew up with Enron and WorldCom being the archetype of corporate life. Years later, little has changed, law-makers are deeper in the pockets of industry and farther from representing the interests of the people they claim to stand for. CEO’s are paid, on average, over 400 times the average worker in the company they are in, not to mention the multi-million golden parachutes that reward them handsomely after leaving a gutted company. Wall Street bonuses last year totaled $24 billion dollars!

You may wonder why I am skeptical of this senseless pursuit of wealth. After all, isn’t that part of the American Dream? Yes, but this greed tramples on the Golden Rule, do onto others as you would have them do onto you.

I have been lured into employment by false promises, put up with all manner of abuse and neglect of my professional self, and generally been mistreated by those who would demand my entire life in exchange for a pittance of a paycheck. I think the fact that money is the motivator, not passion, is what corrupts this dynamic.

With a dream, we strive towards a goal that is very intimate and personal. When all energy is spent in pursuit of money, the effort becomes an end to itself and contributes nothing to the world. The “business as usual” crowd seems to consist mainly of the latter group, with occasional justifications that breach into the former.

As a consequence, I have learned to follow my own moral compass when negotiating with clients and employers. Here are some red flags to watch for: (with some fun zen-like quips)

• Promises - Words are the wind, and nothing more. Signed paper is forever.
• Unfocused - When one wants to accomplish everything, nothing gets done.
• Undervalued - Unfair offers will not be made just with the addition of time.
• Puffy Titles - Beware being a Director who does not direct.
• Shady Dealings – WIll not improve.
• Micromanagement – Hindering flow does nothing for efficiency.
• Buzz Words – Speaking without knowing does not lead to understanding.
• Bad Google Rep – They’re searching for you, return the favor.

Best of luck on your adventures, do not fear failure, fear never reaching your dreams for lack of trying.