The language of conscription is glossed over with words like duty, service, honor, and sacrifice, but beneath the shine, it stinks of rotten bureaucracy, drafting people into the meat grinder. Politicians say, “the nation calls,” but never admit to coercion.…
Do you know people who wander into a restaurant, glance at the menu, comment on every item, and then leave, telling everyone outside what they saw? Worse, some post it online, and the echo chamber churns out dozens of hollow…
As a youth, my hair was routinely massacred by Adventure Barbers. A couple of middle-aged gents operated a lucrative gig on the outskirts of my community. No matter what style you requested, you always got short back and sides. School…
Brad was flushed with rage. The veins in his forehead pulsated. “I can work for a tyrant, but not a narcissist who needs a performing monkey.” Brad resigned a week later, found a great job at a competitor’s firm, and…
Promotions that feel like punishments. “Congratulations. You now get to drown with a better title.” Glen emerged from his military career as a Major. Nice dude. He was surprisingly “unmilitary” in bearing. We reminisced about trivial shared experiences like inedible…
Hi David, Today is 22 July, 2002. I want to say something simple. I don’t think you did a good job today. Not as a manager, and also not as someone who wants to grow or learn. You tried to…
Work-life balance is a cliché, and a sad illusion. Most people at work will never truly have it. But once you know that, you can actually do better for yourself. That’s the glimmer of hope. Proportion is what matters, not…
Some time ago, I met a cool dude online. Joel. His videos reonated deeply. They fueled the MATTLR Engine Room. I asked Joel to share his story and I proposed a few anchor-questions. The reply was sterling. Thanks mate, for…
The new CEO rolls into the parking lot in his brand-new car. A ridiculously expensive chrome tank with bulletproof doors. It’s a gut punch, because you’re drowning in debt. You watch him step out, and you compare. You can’t help…