NBC Comedy as a Great Example

The other night, on my return from Los Angeles, I watched an episode of The Office. I very much enjoy the show even though it is sometimes painful to watch due to the cluelessness of some of the characters.

The specific episode was an old one that my DVR had recorded. One branch of the fictional paper company, Dundler Mifflin, was being closed. Part of the closing was to involve a merger of two branches.

The manager who was going to absorb some of the staff from the closing branch into his own branch was to receive a salary increase for his additional responsibilities and assistance during the restructuring. Surprisingly, he used his impending position as leverage to get a better offer from a competitor, real-life Staples. The corporate manager was furious with him for doing this as she stated the entire plan was specifically centered around him and his branch absorbing the other branch.

Even other characters in the show expressed how little integrity the manager had in order to jump ship as the company was ready to invest in him based on his word that he would be there for the company. I understand the need to have more responsibility or make more money, but to do it behind the backs of those who are investing in you shows a lack of integrity.

Think about your actions and what they say about you. And, if you get a chance, watch The Office.