Essays on creative leadership,
culture, and the human side of work.
Published weekly, with an original illustration. Two series: Becoming and Advisory Notes.
“We reach down deep when forced to, and become what we need to be.” – Old Overture parable Writing on the wall The meeting was short. Tom had known for weeks that things weren’t right. Now he pushed back his chair, stood and headed for the door, unemployed. He was a little off balance as…
Late to the office. The fantasy continues. “Brie,” says Tommy, entering the room. “You okay? I know it’s tense. Are you sleeping…?” “I’m fine.” Clutching her tea, Brie reflects on her morning…. Discomfort I awoke remembering only touches of the dreams. Still disturbing, though I don’t know why. A moment, then it came back to…
“Ooooooh.” The crowd breathes in unison as they enter the station deep underground. It’s the first chance to see GM’s magic train in action. The fantasy continues… “Whoosh,” as the Vactrain leaves the station on another demo run full of happy GM workers and their families. Celebration GM’s chair, Bill Smith, wears a smile that…
“Did you really think you were creating lies?” The fantasy continues… Tommy thought about it. “No, I wasn’t that self-aware.” Tommy – mostly out of daily Overture activity now, but still engaged in issues regarding consensus within the co-op – reflected on the question. He answered Brie: “We were on fire with the power of it…
The smoke was thicker now. The fantasy continues… They were running down the stairs. Hitting the landings hard. Pivoting, attacking the next flight. “Brie, Brie, how many more flights?” “We’re close now, I think.” Finally, the doors. The smoke was coming up from below. Fire in the garage? Who knew. Allison hit the panic bar.…
It’s crumbling. Thousands are working below the official poverty level: left out, angry. Mass protests are now normal public behavior. Violent acts are increasing. The aviation industry is in collapse. Others are sure to follow. GM’s leap into rail, mass transit and tunneling is in the news. As are efforts by other giant companies to…
Tiny weaponized drones hit just after takeoff. Fire exploded out of both engines and down went the craft, with 140 people aboard. As did five other planes across the country. The fantasy continues… “Mom, I booked you on the next train to Chicago.” “What?” “Just listen, Mom. All the airports are closed. Get to…