One of the joys of doing this job for as long as I have (26 years) is following the arc of people's lives and careers over long periods of time. You become “professional friends” with some special people. I define this special kind of relationship as one where you have graduated above the original reason for being in contact with each other, but based on circumstances (distance, time, other obligations) you don't socialize with each other. When you do get to spend time with each other, by phone or in person, it's warmer than the typical business meeting, and you get THE TRUTH.
This week I spent time with two contacts who I've known for over 20 years, both Smith Barney “lifers”. This is not my term; it's their term. They tease me that I continue to call them even though the odds of their leaving are small, but we mutually enjoy the conversation because we are professional friends. And I get unvarnished information which sometimes surprises me.
Lifer 1: He's a multi-million dollar producer. The affection that his staff has for him, and he has for them is apparent with every call. He has a passion for the solutions that he provides his clients which belies the cynicism that often occurs from such a long tenure in one place.
Sarch: “How's the Joint Venture treating you?”
Lifer 1: “I love that they call it the “JV”, because it ain't the Varsity.”
He likes and respects his Branch Manager, and has little patience for the Brokers that whine and complain about changes: “The technology will change and I'll have to learn a new place to click my mouse. Big deal. Get over it.” I asked him pointedly about the differences in culture between SB and MSSB. He took a few seconds to think about it: “They don't respond to suggestions here. I'm not sure if they don't think that the suggestions are valid, or if the bureaucracy loses track of them along the way. I don't feel that senior management is listening anymore. Don't be surprised if you hear from me soon.”
“Formerly a Lifer” 1: He's a Branch Manager. “Senior Management feels that Bigness protects them. Everyone is replaceable. It's created a culture of distrust, fear, and self-preservation. I'm afraid to make a mistake because it could cost me my job. I have zero personal capital here.”
I am taken aback by the venom. “Stop holding back and tell me what you really think!”
He laughed and stressed that he does his best to pave the way for his brokers, but feels that the problems are endemic. He cannot make his branch immune from the bigger problems.
“Very little gets done because the culture makes everyone afraid to make a decision. Hell, everyone's afraid even to ask basic questions. Nobody wants to take responsibility.”
Wow.
“I wish I could hit the ‘escape' button and land somewhere else.”
