When I was a young man I worked for a very good company…
““When I was a young man I worked for a very good company that was very well run by very nice people who knew what they were doing. There was a lot of affection and we made everybody a lot of money. We would have walked into fire for Harold, our Chairman, and Carl, our President. Then they sold our division, and all that firewalking really did take place. The ultrasenior managers did fine, because they had one purpose—to get out of it with a conestoga of cash. The middle management did a lot less fine, because their purpose was different. Their purpose was to die protecting the executive wagon train on its way out of town. We all recognize that kind of story, and know it’s right around the bend for every one of us. And yet, we all line up every day prepared to lay down our lives for our leaders. Why? Why, when we know that, in the end, it is likely to end in tears—for us, not for them.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage critiques corporate loyalty, showing how employees sacrifice for leaders while leaders prioritize profit, leading to disillusionment.
In simple terms: Workers sacrifice for leaders who care only about money.
Key Takeaway
Question blind loyalty to profit‑driven leaders.
Themes
corporate culture
loyalty
exploitation
Mood
cynical
thoughtful
Type
critical
observational
When to use this quote
- business meetings
- career decisions
- team projects
Key Concepts
economics
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What would you do if you saw leadership betrayal?
- How can you protect yourself from corporate exploitation?
A Different Perspective
Leaders may not reciprocate loyalty.