Response to Shirley's Fast Co. article: Betrayed by Work By Pamela Kruger November 1999 p. 182-196

by Vince Crary March 2000

Shirley, I found your summary interesting. As I read your review I kept wondering, "Where have we gone wrong?" I was always taught that you needed to work hard and do a fair day's work for the money you were paid, but I was also instilled with the importance of family, church, and community.

As we get older and gain experience, I can see that an organization is as good as the people that make up the organization. However, I also see how an organization will survive without an individual. We are all cogs on a gear. The gear functions because we are all cogs. However, if a cog breaks off, the organizations replaces that cog with someone else to keep the gear working. No big deal to replace that cog.

With family it is a different story. The cog is much more important. Yes, the gear will still work, but it will slip, as that cog will not be readily replaced.

I thought it was interesting when you said you found yourself analyzing the three warning signs. I feel our master's program has helped us all think, analyze, and reflect on situations present to us.

I don't think we can blame the economy for these type problems. I feel people need to reflect on priorities in their lives.

-- Anonymous, March 06, 2000