What is the difference between a local company and a global corporation? For example, if you learn something well, you are important to the local company, and if you learn it perfectly, you may even be indispensable. They treat you accordingly.
There is no such thing as an indispensable person in a corporation. In a mammoth organization, everyone is interchangeable. Even the most brilliant can be replaced. It’s not about specific people, it’s about smooth processes and procedures. Even inventing is just a bureaucratic process. All a corporation really needs is a few super-powered brains, and they can always be bought somewhere (when you have unlimited money).
Even the most brilliant can be replaced. It’s not about specific people, it’s about smooth processes and procedures.
A few days ago, Alex Kipman, a “computer wizard” and author of several key Microsoft products, felt this. After 20 years of working for the company and playing an absolutely key role in its innovation strategy, all it took was one thing. For a couple of female colleagues to complain that they felt harassed, and off he flew.
Do you see why corporate employees don’t dare to make a peep? Why they can’t even afford what engineers in Soviet bloc countries could afford?
