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We didn’t know what he did on the weekends. What sort of…

“We didn’t know what he did on the weekends. What sort of person showed up on Monday and had no interest in sharing what transpired during the two days of the week when one’s real life took place? His weekends were long dark shadows of mystery. In all likelihood, he spent his days off in the…” quote by Joshua Ferris
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““We didn’t know what he did on the weekends. What sort of person showed up on Monday and had no interest in sharing what transpired during the two days of the week when one’s real life took place? His weekends were long dark shadows of mystery. In all likelihood, he spent his days off in the office, cultivating his master plan. Mondays we’d come in refreshed and unsuspecting and he would already be there, ready to spring something on us. Maybe he never left. Certainly he never came around with a coffee mug to palaver with us on a Monday morning. We didn’t judge him for that, so long as he didn’t judge us for our custom of easing into a new workweek.””

Joshua Ferris

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The narrator describes a colleague whose mysterious weekends hide intense work, creating an unsettling office dynamic.

In simple terms: A coworker’s secretive weekends affect workplace trust.

Key Takeaway

Beware of hidden agendas that can erode team cohesion.

Themes

workplace dynamics trust secretiveness leadership communication

Mood

curious analytical thoughtful

Type

literary observational

When to use this quote

  • team meetings
  • performance reviews
  • employee onboarding
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

psychology of secrecy organizational behavior

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does secrecy impact team morale?
  • What signs indicate a colleague is overworking?
A Different Perspective

Assuming secrecy equals dedication can overlook burnout.

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