The Geneva Convention, bobbleheads and fruitcakes

The classic 1953 film "Stalag 17" is the story of soldiers in a German POW camp. At one point the representative from the Geneva Convention visits the camp to make sure the prisoners are being treated fairly. They aren't, but no one will speak up, for fear of being treated even worse.

At some point you'll find yourself in a similar position; not in a prison camp, but having to listen to someone from corporate who then might ask for comments.

Several years ago I was in a similar position when some suit was going on about a new way of doing news. Everyone thought it sounded ridiculous. One of my friends spoke up and let his feelings be known.

Wow, wrong move. He got the death stare from the corporate guy. He later got passed over for a promotion he deserved.

Another manager nudged me and whispered. "Don't say anything. Just sit here and nod your head."

So I went into the classic man's bobblehead routine. (Women may recognize this look. It's the same deal as when a man isn't listening and just nods and says, "Uh-huh. Yeah, honey. Fine.")

Years later, same deal. Friend speaks up, venting about how wrong things are. Friend is fired a few weeks later.

So when corporate shows up with something wonderful, you need to go into the bobblehead routine. They will usually use the word "embrace" in the presentation, meaning you'd better like this new policy or you can find another job.

It's a lot like getting a bad gift at Christmas from someone you like. They hand you the fruitcake, you nod, say thank you, smile, and then after they've left you use the fruitcake as a doorstop. You just don't let them know you are using the fruitcake in this manner.

So if the company asks you to "embrace" something that seems ridiculous, just nod, smile, say nothing.

Then start making resume tapes.