4 ms·

That seems like a pretty uncharitable interpretation of the comment. I think what they're saying is that you should view an employment relationship as an excha

That seems like a pretty uncharitable interpretation of the comment. I think what they're saying is that you should view an employment relationship as an exchange, where you get money (which can be used to fulfill your basic needs), and your employer gets your labor for a certain number of hours per week. As you are voluntarily exchanging your labor for money, it's reasonable that the focus of the workplace should be to advance the goals of your employer and not your personal goals. Of course it's best if these goals align and everyone can achieve their goals simultaneously. But when there's a conflict, the employer's goals should take priority. That's why they're paying you.

dwaltrip 5y ago
> But when there's a conflict, the employer's goals should take priority. Employees don't need to blindly follow the pre-existing structures, rules, dynamics, and culture of their workplace 100% of the time, never attempting to modify them. It is possible to change these things, both in small and in large ways. Sure, efforts to make large changes are probably not successful the majority of the time. But change does occur. An employer is an abstract entity composed of humans. Who else can change the nature of this entity but the humans who make it up? And small changes, while seemingly insignificant, can add up over time in a very meaningful way. One can also vote with their feet and leave if the clash of values is large enough. This requires having other options or resources, but for those with the option, it is a powerful way of making a statement.
lanstin 5y ago
I disagree. They are paying you because of your judgment and character to do what they want in the best possible way. When employees just go along to get along, that is when company sized disasters happen. You have an obligation to speak up for what you perceive as good and oppose what you see is evil. That is a part of being a professional, it is taking responsibility for the big picture. Why do customers want this, how can we build a sustainable business delighting them and avoid the temptations to take shortcuts that are seductive but short sighted.
- knorker 5y ago
  But how does this include political campaigns about Israel? What you describe sounds more like keeping the workplace ethical, not changing the mission of the business to be a political NGO.

dwaltrip 5y ago

> But when there's a conflict, the employer's goals should take priority. Employees don't need to blindly follow the pre-existing structures, rules, dynamics, and culture of their workplace 100% of the time, never attempting to modify them. It is possible to change these things, both in small and in large ways. Sure, efforts to make large changes are probably not successful the majority of the time. But change does occur. An employer is an abstract entity composed of humans. Who else can change the nature of this entity but the humans who make it up? And small changes, while seemingly insignificant, can add up over time in a very meaningful way. One can also vote with their feet and leave if the clash of values is large enough. This requires having other options or resources, but for those with the option, it is a powerful way of making a statement.

lanstin 5y ago

I disagree. They are paying you because of your judgment and character to do what they want in the best possible way. When employees just go along to get along, that is when company sized disasters happen. You have an obligation to speak up for what you perceive as good and oppose what you see is evil. That is a part of being a professional, it is taking responsibility for the big picture. Why do customers want this, how can we build a sustainable business delighting them and avoid the temptations to take shortcuts that are seductive but short sighted.

knorker 5y ago
But how does this include political campaigns about Israel? What you describe sounds more like keeping the workplace ethical, not changing the mission of the business to be a political NGO.