Sometimes comics or shorts/reels can perfectly demonstrate the absurd and the ridiculous. I think it’s something about the process of condensing a much bigger topic into a few frames and the discernment needed to do that.
By the way, the shorter something is, the harder it can be to create.
If you’ve ever worked in a big corporation, you know that HR and senior management can be helpful and truthful – or not. Strategic vision and clear communications are critical for good employee morale. Once the rumor mill and fearmongering starts, it can be very hard to stop.
Our current business environment is chaotic, but companies are still trying to serve customers, make a profit, and grow. I have been posting a few shorts from Under Studio on LinkedIn and Facebook recently because they make me laugh really hard. They echo things I have personally experienced, or that my clients tell me they are currently experiencing.
Outside investment
In my experience, outside investment will change the company culture and org chart. There will be a reorganization and potentially layoffs. It’s an uncertain time for executives and employees. This is a time when companies should try to share their vision and plans as clearly as possible, but more often than not an employee will experience this:
Missed numbers
If your company missed its numbers due to market changes, the economy, or overly optimistic revenue goals, you know that things are going to suck for a while until sales get back on track. Strategic planning, communication, and tactical execution are what is needed, but more often you get this:
No onboarding
Companies can be slow to backfill vacant positions because they can’t find the right person or because they want to save money. When this happens, everyone left has to pitch in to do the work of the former employees, which leaves team members stretched too thin, burned out, and unable to invest the time needed to train the new employees, which looks like:
While most of you reading this blog are running or working for small businesses, these videos can still be a good example of what you should not do.
Please try to be as honest and transparent as you can be with the other members of your leadership team and with your employees. You will keep their respect, and instead of having them wasting energy wondering what is happening and fearing the worst, they will stay focused on doing their jobs.
