What’s That Odor?

I’ve sometimes gone into organizations and noticed something a bit off. People less than trusting in what they hear. There’s a bit of a fetid ambiance and a lack of open and honest conversation as everyone is careful to watch their back.

I’ve thought about what it is that underlies such a destructive culture and why it’s allowed to fester.

Then I read in The Economist that a traditional meaning of management, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, is the process of spreading manure. While I know some executives for whom this is apt, I found it hard to believe this was an actual definition. So I checked.

Turns out to be true. I also found a second intriguing traditional definition: the use of trickery and scheming to achieve something.

Management: scheming and tricking people while spreading manure. How nice.

It seems what I’ve noticed has been around a long time. It’s fascinating how a word with this original meaning came to represent what it does today. Unfortunately while  the original meaning may be forgotten the actions too often still endure in those that bear this name.

When I found these wonderful definitions it seemed like a great basis for a Benari missive. But as I thought about it I realized there really is nothing for me to add. I’ll never hear someone called manager again without wondering if the old meaning captures their essence.

As for all of you called manager, be aware, for people come with a remarkable manure detector as standard equipment.