Dear W2

All of our equipment is out of date and I can’t even open files on my computer from other people in the company. I’ve asked for new equipment but I’m told we can’t afford it. If that’s true, then why does my boss get a new iphone? I found out that my boss is paid bonuses based on profits – if he keeps costs down, he makes more money – but he still pushes us real hard for everything to get done – and I have to use a computer that doesn’t even have a USB port. What do you suggest? I’m barely surviving.

Dear Survivalist -

Yep, your bizpain is becoming much more common these days in the corporate world! The loss of revenue because of lack of production and bad management has to be staggering! Why can’t firms realize… if they give the proper tools to their employees, efficiencies increase, costs go down and revenue goes up! Sometimes you’ve got to increase your investment(s) for a long term outcome!

Seems as if your boss is focused on the ‘now’ vs. the future of the company. Sounds as if your boss is a dinosaur! Probably has big poop, too.

If there is a way for you to show your management how much ‘more’ efficient you and others can become; (without making your mgt. look bad) then do it! See if you can partner up with a coworker, gather data such as; total amount of system down time, time spent going to others obtaining data that you could have gotten with a click of a button; etc. Take this data and give it a dollar value and you’ll be able to determine if spending additional $$$ for better systems is the right solution. If your boss is legit, they’ll make changes. If not, then maybe you’ll have a big poop.

Remember, when you present your findings make it seem as if your goal is to support the dinosaur manager. Use terms like; I think I can help increase production, increase revenue, while reducing costs. Make your management look good during this process. Yes, I know…. it sucks but it’s the game you need to play!

Pressley