Theory: "Troublemaker" Position

Theory: "Troublemaker" Position

For every sick organization out there, there must be at least one person designated as the "troublemaker." The position is needed so the staff can direct their anger at the "troublemaker" rather than at the administration, and so the administration can have a person to use as an example for the rest of the staff on what will happen if you cross them plus have the "troublemaker" as the "blame" guy (all sorts of things can be blamed on the "troublemaker" so the other staff is intimidated into complying to administration wishes, and directing their anger at the "troublemaker," etc.)
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The "troublemaker" must rear his/her head (like a snake) every once in a while so the administration can beat him/her back down to "save" the rest of the staff, or to keep him/her/them in line. He/she rears head by asking a question, putting forth an idea not generated by the administration, questioning a wrong act done by a senior staff member, or any number of things to "bother" the administration, etc.

A good "troublemaker" plays a very important role for the sick organization in getting the rest of the staff to focus on his/her supposed wrongdoings rather than on those of the administration. The staff can then spend hours talking about the "troublemaker" rather than thinking about how the administration is also screwing them. A smart sick organization will keep a good "troublemaker" around for years to help keep the others in line.

But once he/she is no longer useful, or some political demands require one of their buddies to be supplied with a job (i.e., the "troublemaker's" job), or he/she leaves of his/her own decision, then a new "troublemaker" must be chosen. Usually the new one has been tested by the administration by previous blame games, etc., so the administration easily shifts the blame game to another, and they have a new "troublemaker."

If you think my theory is crazy, talk to various present, and former, "troublemakers" at sick organizations all around you ............ They are also called whistleblowers, free-thinkers, rebels, independents, etc.

See other "Troublemaker" posts.

Adrian R. Lawler, Ph.D.,    (C) 2011 --