The Change Dude’s Blog

Does anyone have a real J.O.B. anymore?

I don’t think anyone has a job anymore…at least in my network. 

Looking through my LinkedIn network today what I noticed was that approximately 70% of that network worked for themselves.  I find that amazingly interesting since 8-10 years ago everyone I new worked for either a Big 4 consulting house or a Fortune 100 company. 

I have a hypothesis!  There are no challenging roles for highly experienced self starters that excel in meritocracies in this new economy.

As a result all those rock stars out there have no choice but to form virtual teams to solve the problems that business can’t solve for themselves because the economic conditions have forced all the strongest players out of those organizations.  Forced out meaning that the environment for success has changed so dramatically that movers and shakers became bored, disinterested or fed-up.

Since the majority of my network are boomers and we are saddled with having ridiculously strong work ethics, thanks to our parents that struggled through the last depression.  BTW we are still in a depression if no one has noticed. It seems to me that organizations are looking less for talented leaders and more for mildly motivated clock watchers.

As I work with my clients these days the need for culture change is at the top of every executive’s list of priorities.  “This company needs a thorough transformation” are often the words I hear.  Humph!  Really?  What exactly does that mean?  What the executive means to say is “We need better performance and to have some fun around here.” 

Hence, my network and those out there like the members of my network have become a mercenary force of culture warriors driving performance and joy through the ranks of today’s under performing organizations.

September 10, 2013 Posted by thechangedude | Uncategorized | 1 Comment