'The Boss'
Especially when it comes to politics (let's say, Bush) or - closer to home - my work. Now, besides some exceptions, I normally do not write about my (current) work. Well, this is gonna be one of those exceptions.
Yesterday I had the 'pleasure' of attenting a board meeting at my company (2nd time).
The company I work for consists of 8 subsidiaries (actually 9 but one is inactive) that have been bought over the last 15 years or so and now are part of a group. At the core of the group is a printing company and the subsidiary that I work for is the IT/pre-media company.
Now, because of the history of the company, the board consists of three directors (or maybe it's four if I count the CFO). Of those three (or four) people, two are in control of (overall) daily operations. Both only have knowlegde of the print world. And, since they are 'self-made men', they have no management background (MBA or otherwise) whatsoever.
Off course having proper education doesn't mean a thing: I have seen great CEO's that never went to university or anything. On the other hand: for some people it would definately help to have at least some basic management (and people) skills and/or theoretical knowlegde of how to run a business.
Well, to summarize the capabilities of those two CEO's: the first thing that pops into my mind is the image of a second hand car salesman. You know the type: all talk and flash and no substance. In fact: they are living proof that the Peter Principle exists. Well, the meeting was - just like the last time - chaotic and completely ad hoc and unprepared. I really can't stand this kind of unorganized crap - especially from people that are supposed to be leading the company. If they would have been generals and this was a war, soldiers would die because of their Charlie Foxtrot!
Needless to say; I certainly made some friends in high places yesterday... Not.
Continue reading "Friends in high places"