Not long ago, Budweiser ran a funny TV ad about its fictional Bud Lite Institute, which had invented the “Fake Coffee Cup 3000” that a person could program to vaporize at any given time, thus giving the illusion that the person was working hard somewhere in the office when, in reality, they were lounging somewhere. You may have seen it because it was so much fun.
I’ve met quite a few job phonies in my day. Most dress up pretty well with their sleeves rolled up, their ties unbuttoned, or their shirt out of their pants – anything to make it look like they’re working hard. They also like to keep their desks cluttered and always bring a lot of paperwork to meetings. You may not have noticed, but they are the same papers that they have been carrying for weeks and do not have material importance. As the Bud Lite ad indicates, job phonies like to arrive early, but are hard to find.
Job phonies believe that the time they spend during the day is most important, not what they produce. I’m sorry but it’s the opposite. Managers don’t really care how much time they put in during the day, it’s what they produce that worries them the most. If they believe otherwise, then they are just as incompetent as the job phony.
I also see many young people pick up on the habits of the work phony, particularly the disorganized appearance in the office. Let me ask you something; Since when can a tramp get over someone who has behaved well? Frankly, I’d rather have people clean their personal appearance and their desk. This would tell me that they are at least organized and disciplined, and they are not trying to hide something.
Yes, looks are important, but being able to produce quality goods and services on time and on budget should be considered of utmost importance.