Tying Knots In The Devil’s Tail

“Rules and models destroy genius and art.” – William Hazlitt

I don’t know about you, but I’m not too fond of those motivational posters that people hang in conference rooms, halls, and offices. They are too syrupy.

Unless work is needed badly, I’d think twice before accepting a position where corridor decor depicts scenes of eagles flying against mountain scenery with tired slogans. 

Slogans like those have offered the same frail advice since Aristotle: “Quality is not an act; it is a habit.” ” At Portzibie Corp, quality is job numero uno.” – Copies of these are at Pompei.

I’ve worked at places like that, and the corridor dressing shows a desperate attempt to motivate workers and influence customers. It’s like the bridge crew on the Titanic checking navigational fixes for the next day’s sailing as the ship went down. Your organization is already in trouble when you line your corridors with motivational art. The only people doing well on this are the PR folks who are selling you the posters and framing.

I aimed to tie knots in the devil’s tail at the last several corporate and governmental institutions I worked at. It’s a challenge. But so is the ongoing demand in organizations that we be creative but stay within the choreographed lines of organizational mediocrity. In short, deliver the image of wow without the substance. 

Subvert it.

Here’s my advice: bend, twist, spindle, and mutilate. Put up your motivational poster: Graphic – turkeys in the barnyard -” It’s hard to soar with eagles when you’re flying with turkeys.”

Go ye forth and sin like crazy!