by jacqueline nusz
It is easy to confuse the principal meaning of a company ranked “Fortune 500.” A company ranked within the Fortune 500 is conceptualized to be the “creme de la creme” which means out of all American Businesses it ranks within the top 500 in gross revenue. In reality however, it signifies that although they have created some unique way to succeed, you, if an employee of the company, should not. The difference lies here: where as they have distinguished themselves as top 500, you are not to distinguish yourself as one within 500.
Is there any other concept more difficult to swallow then an individual telling you not to be an individual? Profitable businesses now promote their employees to be part of a flock, to follow in their methods of protocol, and to succeed BUT to succeed under their methods and standards. In this day and age we are faced with a dilemma: succeed by monetary means or succeed in the morality of self-actualization.
Not long ago I was in the final stages of securing a position within a Fortune 500 company. After 2 face-to-face interviews, a math test, a written test and a personality test, I was invited for my final interview. As an individual with a B.A. in Psychology I understand the concept of inter-test reliability (which consists of asking the same questions in different formats in order to check the reliability of the applicant’s answers) within personality tests. What I didn’t know was how closely high ranking executives weigh the results of these tests. Apparently scores for the attributes of skepticism, resilience, empathy, and assertiveness play a crucial role in whether you are a good candidate or not. Oh yes, I followed the rules : a black pant suit with a white button down blouse and minimal jewelry, but nevertheless my experience, demeanor, presentability, and education were quickly overlooked for my personality test results. Fortune 500 companies are looking for a team player who can be “coach-able” yet they weigh your 85% skepticism and 14% of empathy over your 12 years of sportsmanship as an indicator that you can not be managed easily and have difficulty following rules.
This is no longer a world where creativity and ingeniousness are valued and appreciated. Corporate America does not want an individual who is unique. They do not want someone who asks questions and at times (gasp…) disagrees. (I was personally told so at this interview) The business world takes control of our lives and attempts to repress any thinking considered “outside the box.” We are not supposed to have a stance or a difference of a opinion. We are not to be thinkers but mere followers. If you want to succeed, well, be a better follower than the person before you.
I guess it’s pretty easy to understand why I didn’t take the position. I had a choice. If I wanted the job, I could write a letter stating that for the first year of my employment I would not contradict my supervisor, I would do exactly as I was indicated without asking questions or contradicting any tasks and seal this promise with my signature. I could do this and choose to be a puppet or I could continue living my life under the ideals I value. My signature means I am held responsible. I will be responsible, but for my own creative insight and perspectives.
One Comment
I work for Comcast but my mom says I’m an individual so I’m ok…