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Is Your Boss a Used Car Salesman?

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Is your boss a used car salesman? At least if you go to the caryard, you can spot them from a mile away; cheap suit, slick hair, usually a big stupid grin. They ask you how your day is going, lovely weather outside, anything you’re interested in? “Oh no don’t worry, I just want to chat mate”… Yeah right.

salesman-bmpAt least you KNOW their motive, they are trying to sell you something. Their sole purpose from 9 – 5 is to get you to buy something. The test drive, have a sit inside, see how it feels, the new car smell, it’s all aimed at getting you to buy their car. They have a motive; it’s out there for everyone to see.

Your boss and everyone above you in the corporate world have a motive, but it’s not always clear to you and me. You think they are really interested in how your weekend was, your family and your interests outside of work?

The ideal employee wouldn’t have family, interests or any free thought! Or checking out websites during the day might I add! :)

The motives of the corporate are many and are more often than not sold to you as ‘career opportunities’.

  • Working overtime & extra hours, you’ve just become a lot less of an expense! Your employer is getting way more out of you than they’re paying for.
  • Their promotion & moving up the ranks, you make them look good.
  • Share holder profits, executives have one main driver, profits for the shareholders.

I’ll never forget being told, “You’re never going to be able to have more of an effect on the share price than at this company son!” Big deal, I don’t own any shares!

The Working World of Old

There are a number of common themes that used to be applicable to the working world; loyalty, years served at a company, punctuality, friendly service. These days the working world is all about conversions; how many sales have you made? When will you be finished your current task to start the next? Can you work Saturday to meet the deadline? Push push push.

Too many workplaces are focusing on a big corporate image without having any substance or core business. Sure they’ve got a flash website and glossy brochures, but what are they actually trying to sell you?

Work = Money

This concept hasn’t been explored enough, that not only are customers being sold bullshit, but employees are too! The world needs a good slap around the ear, you’re working for your pay, not to build a company image, not so that your executives will look good in front of a board of directors, not to do work Saturday mornings for free. Plain and simple, work = money. Work is that 8 hour inconvenience in your day that allows to you enjoy your time off & your family.

Next time you’re at work have a good look around, are you being sold a lemon? If you want to tell the world about your used car salesman, leave a comment.

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Corporate Fluff

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This article will not self-destruct in 5 seconds. You’re not Ethan Hunt and unfortunately your workplace isn’t Mission: Impossible. The corporate world and the office work model are too full of corporate fluff and their own bullshit that business, companies and you as an individual forget what it’s all about.

I’m proud to say that Tim from The Discomfort Zone was nice enough to let me guest post for him! Read the rest of this article here…

Written by Andrew

October 5th, 2009 at 9:14 am

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