I’m talking about Dean Vernon Wormer and Rodney Dangerfield.
They came to mind after a conversation with a fellow business professional (FBP)
Me: How’s it going?
FBP: Not so good. We’ve talked before about how my department’s work isn’t really valued here. Yet they need me because I’m the only one with expertise and skills in this [functional] area. It’s frustrating.
Me: I thought the situation was improving.
FBP: I get compliments on my work, and the end result is acknowledged but not the effort or energy that goes into it. I like the company and enjoy what I do; yet there are times I’m not really inspired.
Me: Or engaged?
FBP: That, too. But it isn’t all bad. After seven years, I finally got a promotion.
Me: Congratulations, that’s great! Did it come with a salary increase?
FBP: No, just a new title. And I was told not to tell anyone about it, no internal announcement or news release. It’s what I call my ‘double secret’ promotion.”
FBP has a great sense of humor and we laughed about this.
It sounded to me like something you’d get if you crossed Dean Vernon Wormer with Rodney Dangerfield, a combination that doesn’t bode well in any organization.
Well-performing employees whose work isn’t respected and supported find it hard to stay motivated and engaged.
[Photo by Valerie Bosch on Unsplash]