Karma & Show Horses

Rarely there are moments of satisfaction here at OSC so it is necessary to savor those moments when they occur.  Such was the story this week, the same week this blog was started.  It was shared that someone in my department had been badmouthing me since last spring to the administration (used rather than management since there isn't any) while telling me how great I was and not sharing what their problems with me.  This had been such a subtle campaign that I did not pick up on what was going on.

I have never been one to hide my thoughts because it has been my belief that as a leader, I needed to set the example to those on my team  to feel free to do the same.  Primarily, I believe that team members need to share their thoughts so that the best solution found from the group and can be achieved.  This was working at some level with our team, but then the process was used against me, a first.  Building trust in teams is essential - not my words, but it is found in every piece leadership material and literature out there.  Trust is difficult to build, but once damaged, even harder to repair.

For me, once trust has been broken, it has been very hard to even find redeeming value in the individual that broke that trust.  Of the mantras I have shared with teams I work with include: "I will trust you until I can't trust you, and if I can't trust you, then I don't need you."  This has served me and those teams very well.  But not in the OSC culture.  It seems that the systematic lack of moral integrity, strength of virtue, and zero management has left the 'Institution' lacking in organizational fortitude.  Simply leaving wrongs left alone out of fear for....well, a variety of reasons.  Many have called it a 'family' but that description means too much needed tough love has been left by the wayside.  Doing what is right has been put aside for doing what is easy, leaving people alone out of fear of confrontation, allowing terrible management processes and inappropriate behavior at all levels to exist simply because of fear and ignorance.  The incompetent seem to rise in the organization and those that produce a great deal of the work, are left in their roles without chance for opportunity because, well, it is easy, problem solved - don't move them out and their role will always get done!  And "they are too busy, just leave them be and we will make the hard decisions."

Of course, all of these thoughts are masked from the work horses.  I must mention Jim Collins' book Good to Great here.  If you haven't read it, you should.  It is an amazing book that reveals some of the characteristics of companies that changed the way they did business and built their organizations to success beyond initial dreams.  One of the concepts in the book is the difference between "show horses" and "work horses" that needs to be beaten into the OSC administration.  Why you may ask?  Because it is the culture of the OSC administration to seek and accept as fact outside expert opinion and suggestions, to the rejection of those that brought the organization to current status.  This could be argued by the OSC administration, but those doing the arguing would be the "Show Horses," those that claim the credit for the work done by the, you guessed it, the "Work Horses."


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Show Horse - looks great,
but doesn't really do anything

  Work Horses at OSC are ignored and even dismissed by the Show Horses.  That helps them feel more secure (since they are so insecure in their ability and credibility).  Basically, this is how the inept remain in control.  Worse, the royal inept communicate these concepts 'around the campfire,' and the effect is devastating because the victim doesn't even know it has happened.  Meetings attended have the palpable tension of an anticipated ambush.  No matter the validity or soundness of thoughts or suggestions offered, immediate dismissal - even smirks and giggles linger over the conference table like a fog.

But this week during the initial stages of transition to outsourced management, one of the players - the backstabber - had just enough rope to hang himself and he did so with flare.  The backstabber started untrue rumors and was shown to be the snake he truly is.  Sorry, but call it karma or 'the lord works in mysterious ways' or what goes around, comes around, felt really good.  To even admit that, to revel in the demise of a fellow co-worker, seems unseemly.  But when one works in a Toxic workplace, satisfaction can't be found in a job well done.  Reward doesn't come from achieving goals, but from watching enemies get their justice.

Backstabbers and the show horses are a part most workplaces and must be dealt with.  These have not changed since organized work began.  But at OSC, it is the entire culture.  And what happens in the culture all flows from the top.  This is why integrity is the most essential ingredient of social interaction and leadership - because when karma comes around, you have to be able to fully enjoy it by keeping your nose clean (and not brown!).

Thanks & that's

Justin Credibill