“The Dumper’s Creed”

     Reviewing past installments of “The Third Degree” in preparation for the update post “Hindsight is 20/20; Foresight is 2020,” I realized that there had been a significant oversight.  This post is aimed at correcting that oversight and filling the void I’m sure we have all felt.
     In “Of Delegating and Dumping,” a compare-and-contrast exploration of the two managerial styles, I referenced “The Dumper’s Creed,” but had not presented it.  Until now!

     “The Dumper’s Creed,” of course did not exist when the post was published.  It is, therefore, my duty to close this gap in managerial custom.  To fulfill my obligation, I now present to you “The Dumper’s Creed.”
 
     The Dumper’s Creed
 
As a Dumping Manager, I am dedicated to advancing my career by means of:

• deceit, deflection, and diversion to maintain a front of competence,
• the destruction of colleagues that threaten my self-image, and
• ingratiation to those in positions of higher authority.

 
I shall accept no responsibility for:

• the development of subordinates,
• team dysfunction or discord, or
• failure of any kind.

 
With privilege and promotion in mind, I hereby swear this oath.
 

Some advice…
     If you see signs of allegiance to “The Dumper’s Creed” among managers in your organization, it is advisable to pursue other opportunities.  Quickly.  Don’t walk, RUN!  These are the people that demoralize dedicated teams that strive to do the right things and to do them well.  As dumpers rise in the organization, high-performers flee.  The compound effect of these coincident events will make it increasingly difficult to succeed or find satisfaction in your work.
     From the JayWink Solutions About page:
“The JayWink philosophy, in a nutshell, is this:
     Work hard.
     Be a worthy partner.
     Enjoy what you do.”
Perhaps this, too, should be updated.  A potential fourth element is “surround yourself with people that hold similar values.”  Doing so will go a long way toward achieving continued enjoyment of the career path you have chosen.
 
     By now, I hope, you have come to appreciate – and quickly recognize – the satirical nature of some “The Third Degree” content.  Writing “The Dumper’s Creed” was an attempt to have some fun with a very serious problem in many organizations.  Call it reverse psychology.  I also include the dire warning because I do not want to leave to chance a misunderstanding of my intent or viewpoint.
 
    
     As always, feel free to contact JayWink Solutions for further discussion or assistance with issues you face as an individual or as an organization.
 
References
[Link] “Engineers’ Creed,” National Society of Professional Engineers
[Link] “Obligation,” Order of the Engineer
 
Jody W. Phelps, MSc, PMP®, MBA
Principal Consultant
JayWink Solutions, LLC
jody@jaywink.com