Is Dell Credible?

Dell recently announced the lay-offs of more than 8,000 of its North American workers. At the same time, Mike Dell also announce the company would purchase $70 million in Chinese hardware during 2008. As well, Dell executives have a salary and perks package that exceeds $60 million.

Do you find this disturbing? On what level? Social ethics? Business ethics? Employment ethics? Shareholder responsibility? Other?

Did you ever buy Dell products or services? In what ways will Dells treatment of employees influence your future acquisitions?

Are you afraid to argue?

Some of the more notorious members of my extended family are Italian and man, can those people argue. But, you know what? Even when they're howling at the moon, you always know precisely where they stand. What's more, after the average (and very noisy) discussion ends, everybody remains friends and goes on their merry way.

Here's my point: Are you afraid to argue with, or question, those around you? Do you tend to put on your cute little happy face--no matter how wrong you honestly believe the other person to be? At work, are you the proverbial "Yes, Man" or woman? If so, you may have found that you are losing your personal and professional direction.

It never ceases to amaze me that the students in my collegiate project management courses, technology asset management courses, or even negotiations programs absolutely refuse to question my perspectives. These are working adults, professionals in their respective fields, and I literally have to push them to think critically--to question the ideas and concepts we discuss.

Is this you? Do you always agree with the boss, simply because they're the boss? Do you see things happening within your life or career that threaten to improve the status quo and merely ignore them? Are you a corporate drone, having been beaten down by "THIS is the way we DO things here!"? If so, is that a good thing?

I have a personal perspective that goes something like this: "You are either in this (pick a profession or job) to be productive and contribute positively to our mutual growth or you are here as a spectator--watching the rest of us DO on your behalf."

And why am I intruding on your personal space with this drivel? Because I firmly believe that one of the key problems I encounter--time and time again--in nearly every corporate setting--is that people are no longer encouraged to, or willing to, ask questions. Without this level of free thought, our abilities to survive, grow, and compete are seriously diminished.

Resource: Take a look at the book Fierce Conversations, by Susan Scott, (Berkley Books). I firmly agree with Ms. Scott that it is time for us all to begin seriously considering how our meek and accepting perspectives have limited our potentials. Let me know what you think...