NonsenseAtWork

In case the threat of recession does not recede, heed this radical advice: Don’t be seduced by fancy financials. Just follow the (real) money.

Here's my favorite definition of politics, from Merriam-Webster: Politics is "the art or science of government."

Why is it my favorite? Because it not only applies to countries, counties and municipalities. It also applies to organizations. The art of leadership might get all the attention, but if a leader cannot govern.... 

And surprise, surprise. Lobbying is a huge part of governing well. But only if those who lobby know how to lobby well.

Here's an uncomfortable truth about (raw) capitalism. When there's more than a sniff of risk in the air, we are more than willing to compromise our values to stay "successful."

There's a lot of gloom and doom coming our way. Yes, I know, it depends who you're listening to. But let's assume "they" are right. (This time.)

When faced with approaching doom and gloom, what do the wise do? I have no idea. However, I suggest you enjoy the little things, good and bad, just a little more than you did yesterday. As if today is "It", the end of times. (Without taking your eye off the future, because the future has a nasty way of happening.)

Here's how.

How things have changed, thanks to virus, virtual and vanity. Whoa. Surely not vanity. Not after how some people dress for their on-camera work sessions.

This work from home lack of dress-vanity is now likely to infect the office as well. The unemployment rate went down in September 2022, giving (scarce) workers more power to demand changes. Such as to the dress code.

This is a piece I wrote during the previous recession. (Remember that one?) Compare what I wrote then to what is likely to happen during the coming recession. (The one that is predicted daily, even though employers, nervous of the skills shortage, are hiring and placating workers.) 

In my previous post, *bp275 It’s Time To Become a Skeptic Again*, I suggested the best way to view the economy is as a skeptic. But that blog is already in the past, so here's another (nonsense) reason you should be a skeptic today. At least about the economy.

Way back in 1933 George Bernard Shaw said that "If all the economists were laid end to end, they would not reach a conclusion." But apparently he was not the first person to use that expression. At least, according to people who research these types of quotes. The funny thing is that these people don't seem able to agree on who said what when.

Another funny thing is that by the time I graduated as an economist, I was convinced that George Bernard Shaw had not used the word conclusion, but the word agreement. ("If all the economists were laid end to end, they would not reach agreement.") I had been exposed to conclusions aplenty. But agreements? Few.

Which is why I find myself in an economy that is in a mild recession as it continues to grow. (Maybe you don't agree, because you've reached a different conclusion.)

At work, should you ask open-ended questions in the wrong tone of voice? Of course you should! That is, if you are a "real" manager. It's your job to put employees on the spot and trip them up. How else will you know what's really going on? 

Hang on, hang on. If that's your go-to questioning style, then maybe you could be making things worse. Not sure what I mean? Well, I don't know how you react to open-ended questions asked in a certain tone of voice, but below is how I feel about them.

I handed over thousands of dollars to a major US corporation over a period of four years. One would think that we had built up a respectful mutually beneficial relationship: You scratch my back (provide the service) and I'll scratch yours (contribute to your bottom line).

One would think. But one would be wrong. When circumstances beyond my control meant that I had to end the relationship, they showed me just how much they valued our relationship. They sent me a final bill... wait for it... for $0.28. In the mail. (Current USA postage rates are at or near $0.60. Excluding cost of paper and envelope. Go figure.)

I plan never to do business with them again. Obviously, their "our customers matter to us" was a fake promise. But whose fault was it, really?

Work from home is over. Time to get serious again about work. Wait. I’m joking! Joking or not, here’s a question that might help you get serious about the rest of the year.

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Did I steal this idea? No. Nor did I have to read a book about asking why. Wise people have been asking, "Why?" ever since Adam and Eve found themselves on the wrong side of the garden gate. (Come to think of it, even little people, before they can read books about why, know to ask "why?" all the time.)