I don't think I mentioned this but a while ago I was subjected to an "annual review" at work. I sat in an office with my new supervisor and she told me that I was performing up the company's expectations. She then commented on the general malaise that was going around the office and asked me if I had any thoughts.


I thought for a moment.


I told her that weak leadership was causing the generally good work relationships to deteriorate into power struggles and hierarchy-building as people tried to gain status by merits that had little or nothing to do with their assigned tasks, the most common being making someone else appear inferior. This is the same mentality that is so prevalent in prison.


She stared at me for a moment. Then she laughed awkwardly and said she wouldn't know anything about prison.


I forced a smile and was quiet as she went on to say that I qualified for a bonus and a raise. I thanked her and she sent me on my way.


In hindsight, I should have waited until my bonus was safely in my checking account before I criticized her. Oh well; she had asked for it.