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A combination of the following behaviours and conditions, seen consistently over a period of time, can be a sign that things are not well in an organisation.
- Senior management is missing in action; especially during crises.
- Management is alienated from the workforce on a day-to-day basis. Private car parks, isolated suites, personal elevators.
- Management uses marketing speak to communicate with staff (marketing and internal messages are indistinguishable.)
- Orders and messages from senior management appear to directly contradict or deny the day-to-day reality of the organisation.
- Organisational strategies that make no sense - instead of solving quality or production problems, the organisation engages in a branding campaign.
- “Just doing what I’m told” syndrome - including doing work that make no sense.
- Pervasive “not my problem” syndrome. Minimal collaboration.
- Paranoid distrust of HR systems and processes. Incidents are not reported. Surveys are not responded to.
- Widespread cynicism about all organisational initiatives. Responding by doing the minimal to meet requirements.
- Hot-desking for “permanent” staff.
- Biscuits are kept under lock and key.
