Secret Rules

That's because a lot of the suits [yo, Fredrick!] don't want newsroom stars. Beyond reporters and photogs, at least.

They want a full roster of average, obedient workers, like Carlin said. Push the buttons to make the machines run on time.

The merit system was dumped in the '90s. After that, raises were held down and averaged out across the entire staff.

Mid-level managers preferred it that way. The "spectacular" talents always wanted stuff done!

 

You can be a "spectacular talent" without being an asshole and while still nudging things in the proper direction. I've seen it done.

 

Oh, sure. You've got to have good management above you, though.

I remember one corporate CEO somewhere saying his biggest gripe about his mid-level managers is that they wouldn't push him from below. "Too many of my managers set their agendas by what they think I want instead of challenging me with original ideas and innovations," he said. I don't recall the exact quote, but that's pretty close.

His point was complacency in the mid-level ranks hindered progress above and below.

Those of us who worked in newsrooms surely recall that kind of complacency. Average workers made it all easier.

 

Fair enough. Middle management is the real issue. Want someone to handle paperwork? Hire an office assistant or manager.

Yet MM still exists, despite all the purging.