One way or another, almost everyone feels that today's organizational operation is no longer good for us, the system is overloaded and has reached its limits. We feel like everyone is drawing the short straw. Numerous studies show that the vast majority of employees feel completely isolated at their workplace.
A 2013 Gallup poll, for example, found that globally only 13% of employees are engaged at work (63% are not, and 24% are actively disengaged). Management guru Gary Hamel rightfully calls this "the shame of management". Large company executives seem powerful and, like all of us, they want to give the impression that they have their lives under control, that they are the winners of the success game. But anyone who has ever had the opportunity to talk confidentially with organizational leaders knows that almost all of them are tired behind the facade. Tired of the struggle for existence and pressure, the never-ending flood of emails, meetings, and presentations.
Tired of making others happy, motivating employees, and achieving results. And perhaps most of all, tired of suppressing the nagging question...
"Did I really want this? Sure, I'm successful, but what does it all mean? Is it worth the huge sacrifices I've had to make?"