Delusion

We must care about our people, but equally important, we must demonstrate that we care. An organizational environment where communications are open and direct, where questions are asked and answered, and where the process for making managerial decisions is clear, will minimize confusion and allow people to focus on what is important. (Howard Rieger, Howard's View, February 16, 2008)

Quite clearly, this admonition to all of us comes right out of a management primer; it sure doesn't come out of UJC's practice. In point of fact, all of these directives run counter to how UJC is being run. Totally, absolutely, tragically. It is as if the author is writing about some other organization, not ours, unfortunately. Ask Gail Hyman,, ask Doron Krakow, ask Vicki Agron, Gail Reiss, ask some of our correspondents, and so many more. Unless, of course, this was 2008's first Purim spiel, but, somehow, we just don't think that's the case.

The Great Place to Work Institute, UJC's leaders suddenly acknowledge, surveyed UJC's staff to "....provide us with a methodology to improve our workplace environment." That's great, but since that survey was conducted many of our most senior, most caring and committed professionals have been forced out.

The Great Place to Work Model posits the absolute necessity for "Trust" both downward within a great organization and upward. The Institute describes certain "Dimensions" and then "How it plays out in the workplace."

• "Credibility

~ Communications are open and accessible

~ Competence in coordinating human and material resources

~ Integrity in carrying out vision with consistency

• Respect

~ Supporting professional development and showing appreciation

~ Collaboration with employees on relevant decisions

~ Caring for employees as individuals...

• Fairness

~ Equity -- balanced treatment for all in terms of rewards

~ Impartiality -- absence of favoritism in hiring and promotions"

You get the picture. There is a gaping void between the ideal and the UJC reality. Ask Gail Hyman, ask Doron Krakow, ask Vicki Agron, ask Gail Reiss...and so many more.

We have read that the first step in treating alcoholism or other dependencies is admission by the dependent that he or she has the problem. In UJC's case, the first step has yet to be taken. All we can ask is "physician...heal thyself" unless, of course, this was a Purim spiel in which case, it was very funny.