And Tochi Says… Whose thoughts are YOU thinking?

Not too long ago, I remember a so-called corporate diversity circus (aka workshop) where the presenter, of the same race, urged us to frustrate and defeat ‘the man’ by getting more training on our own time, arrive first and leave last, and to know of stuff ’stone-cold’ so that no one could ever complain that we were technically incompetent. To ’survive’, we had to work harder, work longer, complain less and ostracize ‘troublemakers’ in our corporate midst. We were reminded that we weren’t really wanted and appreciated, so the best way to ensure our own roots in the corporation was to fight back subtly, not overtly. We were coached on how to speak softly, use proper grammar, dress in muted colors and not talk back.

While frequently being told that the job market was uncertain, and career longevity in any profession was not guaranteed, we were told to ‘be exceptional’, ‘provide outstanding value’ and ‘take pride’ at our jobs. When I pointed out that this sounded like slave training to me, and that we should instead be taught how to recognize and escape from impossible work conditions, I was quickly branded by the presenter as… you guessed it! The Troublemaker.

Many corporations and governments hire ‘motivational’ speakers, ‘inspirational’ presenters and ‘experts’ to sell specific compliance messages, especially targetting the young ones with little or no prior experience. Hey, they do have the right to deliver their expectations disguised as motivational/inspirational messages. What many audience members don’t realize is that they, too, have the right to choose which messages to listen to and believe. People also have a right to let other knows what they think about these messages.

People need to be aware that speakers are hired, rehired and paid to efficiently deliver these thinly-disguised expectations to its audience.

As a presenter, I understand that bills must be paid. I also believe that there is nothing intrinsically wrong with delivering a message for the business that hires us; however, it is important to be sure that it is a message that that we can wholeheartedly defend in our public and private lives. Speakers should know when to stay and when to walk away; it is that power that creates true authenticity with our audiences.

This is the thought: What is the true, intended outcome of the motivational/inspirational message that you hear? Ask: “Who is the true beneficiary of this message? Is anyone paying for this to be delivered to me? And if yes, why are they paying to have me hear it? Be aware that not every thing a presenter says is necessarily true or factual; check for yourself. You have choices; exercise them.

The image used in this post is courtesy of the contributors to Creative Commons. I am immensely grateful.