The Power of Positive Thinking And Management Rationality

A very dear friend of almost thirty years, came to visit the other day to catch up on the latest "goings on..." (you'll notice the obvious lack of the word "gossip.") You see, men don't gossip... we just want to know what's going on. There's a difference!

Now, my friend is a Supervisor in one of the few remaining manufacturing facilities in the Asheville area. That, in itself, is cause for celebration, if you ask me.... but then, you didn't, so I'll continue.

He explained that this fine group of Supervisors had surpassed the Facility's Safety Record... And that's cause for celebration! The fact that no one was "injured," maimed, disabled, or killed in a work related injury is worth the (self) gratuitous "pat on the back." We all want to celebrate landmarks in some fashion, or another. I'm "all over" the positive reinforcement thing.

As my friend continued, he described the upper management's announcement, as to how this group would be rewarded for their stellar achievement....

Hold onto your hats, "Dear Hearts!" You're not going to believe this......

In their infinite wisdom, this "brain trust" has unanimously decided to charter a "Party Bus" to Charlotte, NC, to allow this fine group of Supervisors to drive a NASCAR ready race car, on a bone fide racetrack.

My life's experiences has delved deeply into many of the the elements into the equation put before you..... Road trip+Party Bus+Fast Cars+ (X)= DISASTER

I know I'm not the only one thinking that there is a distinct disconnect in this thinking.

But then I digress...

From my house to Charlotte, is a two hour drive. More than enough time to party hardy. Add the fact that I don't have to pay for it, or drive... I'll be all over that like a "yardbird pickin' at a June bug." I'm gonna drink... And I will encourage my cohorts to keep up.

By the time we get to Charlotte, we'll be ten feet tall... and bullet-proof...

Bravado, "chest thumping," and competition will ensue,

And the call, "Bring out the cars," will be the montra....

Are you with me so far?

What were they thinking????

The only thing missing, is a hot blonde in a pickup truck (X), and the equation is comeplete...

A "Louisianna Saturday Night."

And you don't even want to ask about LA's Safety Record...

But somehow, Party bus, alchohol, and fast cars, represents a reward for a Safety record...
One of those things that make you go.... "Huhh???"

What were they thinking????
QRML....K