Working Wisdom: quote about employees and work

“Acting is just playing the violin in an orchestra. Directing is being the conductor.”

A quote in Working Wisdom from Jason Bateman in Horrible Bosses (2011). This is a Hollywood movie directed by Seth Gordon in which three friends (played by Jason Bateman, Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis) conspire to murder their awful bosses (played by Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Aniston and Colin Farrell) when they realize they are standing in the way of their happiness.

The metaphor in this quote can equally be applied to organizations. Today’s supply chain/operations director has the challenging task of ‘conducting’ the various elements of the ‘corporate orchestra’ such as production, management, third-party logistics providers and the CEO to deliver a harmonious overall performance.

The image below is free for personal and commercial use as long as you do not modify it. Hi-res image available upon request via info(at)supplychainmedia.nl.