Had lunch with a good friend yesterday. He's the same top performing executive who was directed to "drink the Kool-Aid" earlier this season. Do you remember the story I told about my friend's dull corporate directive to not think,  just follow directions and not lead?

I thought titled executives were hired to lead. Maybe I'm naive. Gets me where I live. It made me so angry.

There's a sequel to that story that further illustrates the lunacy in the corporate world today, and why we are suffering financially in many industries and government.

My friend's division is record breaking successful,  far exceeding any other division throughout the entire country. This success is largely due to my friend's initiative and smarts. He is not only over-qualified for his position, but he has inspired and motivated his staff to reach a level of performance that even they didn't know they were capable of achieving. They are a happy "functional" family. Sure, they would like to participate more in the fruits of their labor, but sometimes the headiness of knowing you've done your job well can carry you through just about anything. It's called self respect.

What kind of an idiot would try to destroy a person's self respect, especially when they are profiting by it? Is it fear? That's right, you got it...a typical corporation would shoot it itself in the foot just to ensure that no one becomes too important. Achievers and non-achievers alike are "not rewarded" equally. The achievers are reduced to the lowest common denominator.

Doesn't work. Has nothing to do with human nature. Achievement must be rewarded. People need incentive. I guess I'm a real capitalist. I believe in being fair to everyone. I believe original thinking and good performance should be encouraged and rewarded. So, what are these dull corporations afraid of? Being out of control? They are in control. All right, I know a certain amount of conformity is necessary, especially when a business is that large. But when it doesn't make sense, then I question it.

To get back to the point, my friend's company uses computers to perform a certain function in the company. The software is primitive, and they have a very limited number of computers, not enough for everyone, so using a computer would be a time waster in this case since they would need to stand in line and wait their turn. The request for more computers was turned down.

This function is better served with manpower anyway. A human can perform the task easily. He can accommodate the subtleties of the task,  something primitive software cannot do. Human input would distinguish this company from its competitors, and provide added value at no additional cost in time or money.

It is an artistic function, so with some native skill and the proper technical training, human "hands on" is the way to go. And it is one of the tools my friend has employed to build his success.

My friend was told he has to conform and instruct his staff to use only computer software. No room for argument.

My friend's  division has become legendary. Other divisions are studying its success so that they can do the same things and achieve the same results. No brainer.

Does this sound familiar to you? I call it corporate incompetence.

Now aren't you glad to be headed in an independent, self determining direction?

Stick to your business and make it work for you.

You can and you will.