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Kevin Guiney P.Log. CCLP's avatar

Business exists to make a profit. CEO’s are tasked with satisfying customers, employees and shareholder, a delicate balance. Employees joining the company need to have a “fit” as it’s called where their values align with the organizations. But what happens is the alignment rarely fits, and often the loud, incompetent, charismatic get promoted, they wear the mask, the perfect imposter. They chase the big salary, the big and long title, and they have no concern for their employees. I’ve seen it a few times in my career. Somebody I had a laugh with at the water cooler yesterday, is the boss today and screaming at me to get to work. But one thing I love about substack, is we have a lot of solid leadership guru’s here attempting to course correct the ship. But ultimately it starts with promoting competent, caring, non-egotistical people to lead, where you can still have a laugh at the water cooler once in a while. I enjoyed your piece and would love to know your first name?

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Countering Complacency✨'s avatar

You raise a good point, what happens when you see ego and incompetence rise around you? This add another complex layer to things. Certainly, some people who wear the mask (perhaps intentionally) the best are the ones rewarded the most. I find after enough top performers leave due to such leadership, the organization will wake up and see or not and likely won't be around for long. Appreciate you taking the time to read and comment with your personal observations, keeps things real! I'm glad it resonated...the name is Stef.

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Sarah Teresa Cook's avatar

This was a really important thing for me to read. Thanks for contributing to my thinking on a really important topic <3

Also, gawd, there is *so* much bad / mistaken messaging out there, especially in the coaching world. I'm reminded of the "fake it 'till you make it" injunction, and how terribly toxic that is for those of us already weighed down by a lifelong mask!

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Countering Complacency✨'s avatar

Totally agree! It's such a relief to hear that the essay clicked with you, that means a ton!

And seriously, yes to all the messy, mistaken messaging out there. "Fake it 'til you make it", it's just more masking. We need less burying our inner voice and more tuning into it.

I'm curious, what's another piece of that "bad" advice/messaging out there that you've had to fight or unlearn yourself?

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