It occurred to me recently that when I last posted (Anonymous91503) I skipped a rung in the (daisy) chain of command of what I now (laughingly) refer to as L-3 Leadership. Instead of calling out KC, up to the suits in NYC, I should have focused on the six figure earning MADison MEN (all white, all men-just saying) who occupy offices with desks and doors and parking spaces, oh my. One's first question might be, who the hell are they? How would one know these days, as with the latest release of the Sector/Vector Org Chart, KC hangs out there alone...no subordinates, no direct reports, no minions. A fart has more of a presence. (Sorry, ladies, it just slipped out, so to speak).
Here's a clue: the ersatz Leadership is composed of three groups. Those who "know." Those who "don't know." And, "the others." Those who know are a small (no pun intended, but if makes you feel good, roll with it), local, little triad who go on house hunting trips and hire people for Texas and say one thing one day and another thing the next. They govern three very distinct business segments...they move things, they buy things, they make sure we don't get CARS, they over see untold unEthical investigations. So much for them. They've never fooled anyone, so no one's expectations have not been met. In fact, they are all quite predictable. They are knowing and they are known. Their number has been in the wind for months and months - depending upon how long they have been in Madison.
Unfortunately, that leaves the remaining local Leadership who doesn't "know" or says they "don't know." Whatevah! Whatevah! What difference does it make. You all look like cowards who have only one concern: your paycheck, your stock options, your bonus, your bronze/silver/golden parachute. Wake up, dudes, most of you aren't on the guest list for the next iteration of the Company anyway, so why not do everyone a solid and stand up for the people who show up every day, do the best they can in extremely trying circumstances and just want to know what the long term plan is. Just want a little common decency. Hey now! Have you parked so close to the front door for so long that you do not remember what that is? Have you tucked your humanity away in a duffle bag or backpack or the glove box of your way cool car? Can you honestly not see what your behavior makes you? And, really, don't try any "for the sake of the Company" or the "sake of the stock prices" rationalization on me, because I would tell you to stick that where many of your noses appear to be. Which is out of joint, of course? What did you think I meant? Really, what dirty minds MAD MEN have!
Finally, there are "the others." Everyone knows who they are - sort of. Their names have recently appeared in Sector/Vector org announcements. Some have difficult to pronounce names. They all seem to feel they are somewhat above those who inhabit (like we who have roots here) our area. The do the KC slink* around the building. They have a profile lower than a truffle. No matter. Who they are is of no consequence. What they do matters today, but if history is any kind of teacher, they will be dust in the wind before we know it. Does anyone want to know what the "KC slink is?" Walk fast, hug the wall, keep head down, no eye contact, move stealthily, as though someone totally unappealing is going to rise up and touch you!" That's the KC Slink!
One thing I'd like to point out: KC is famous for his disdain of Mississippi, Mississippians, et al. In spite of our plethora of writers, artists, musicians, politicians, scientists, athletes, etc. The book, "The Silence of the Lambs" - the title of which I played with above - was written by Thomas Harris, who spent his formative years in the Lula Rich area of Mississippi. His net worth, John Grisham's net worth, James Earl Jones' net worth, Hayley Barbour's net worth, the late Eudora Welty, Willie Morris, the very much alive Oprah Winfrey's net worth, what's his name Barksdale that founded Netscape's net worth make anything that KC, the NYC brass, the MAD MEN, the "others" earn today or will ever earn look exactly like what it is: peanuts.
Let's face it, we're being (mis)led or, to be fair, (un)led by a bunch of wannabes. Their positions deserve respect. The inhabitants do not. At least as of this posting. On the other hand, the employees who show up every day, those who make a good wage and those who barely make minimum wage (really???????), they deserve respect! They deserve the respect that is earned by showing up and doing their job. Anyone who reads this needs to reach out to your co-worker and thank them. Especially, thank those who do not have the ability to express how they feel. That is who I post for....those co-workers of mine who want their voices heard.
One last thing: I've heard from countless people, from Director level and below, that KC has said the following (paraphrasing) about Madison employees who wanted/needed to know something about what is going on: "I just wish they would quit whining and get back to work!"
For the record, this is not a whine. This is an opinion. Perhaps a bit of a rant, but really, in our circumstance, I think a pout is justified. I may someday uncloak myself (probably sooner than even I realize) and I will no longer be "anonymous this or that" or the other nom de plumes I have utilized. Right now, this is what I feel: Someone needs to speak for those who can't.
SJWH