Us and Them
Welcome to the Why to Wow newsletter which is all about inspiring the hearts and minds of people worldwide with the Power of Differentiation. In this Why to Wow newsletter, I share my experiences over the last 40+ years helping leaders differentiate their brands and products. Our goal is to inspire over one million people worldwide with our message. Reach out if you have any comments or questions.
Often acclaimed as the most popular rock music album in history, Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon was released in 1973. One of its standout tracks is “Us and Them.” It chronicles the senselessness of war and addresses the ignorance of modern humans as they deal with the ups and downs and complexities of life. Just as it was in ’73, much of today’s world consists of two extremes fighting against each other, as described in the song title: “Us and Them.”
Business leaders and owners are often positioned by the media as selfish, evil, and greedy. The worker is often portrayed as helpless, victimized, and taken advantage of—Us and Them or the haves and have-nots.
These stereotypes are designed to hurt and demean each of us. I’ve met owners who are far from being evil and selfish. If anything, many of them are not business masterminds and would be happier not running a company. They don’t view it as their strength, but instead, something they stumbled into by accident while doing something they were passionate about. Instead of making decisions based on cold hard facts alone, these leaders rule with empathy from the heart. They often possess talents that they never capitalized on. Why does it seem they must be blamed for all that’s wrong at the time?
The employee who is portrayed as underappreciated and downtrodden may actually be someone who is content to do their job well and leave it at that. That’s their choice. Yet it is often judged as lack of ambition or even lack of opportunity in an unfair life. In truth, they simply want to work with integrity and go home fulfilled. Why isn’t that enough if that’s what they want?
I’ve met many CEOs from multi-billion-dollar companies, and there’s no pattern to suggest they only care about themselves or the company’s stock price. Most are genuine, honest people who care deeply about their teams and doing what is right. In many situations, they are caught up in a web trying to make customers, shareholders, and employees happy. It’s a tall order to please all sides at once.
Is it really “Us and Them?” I recall in the early days of my company, a male employee once asked, “Why do women have the best jobs here? It’s not fair.” He was a nice guy with traditional roots, but his question surprised me. I answered, “Over half of the population is women, but you’re saying we should ignore their talents?” That conversation ended quickly as he realized the unfairness of his own outlook.
Afterwards, I thought of my own upbringing and how it was my mother who urged me to go into business. She was a true champion of women, and prejudice against them wasn’t tolerated in our household. She had grown up when women weren’t encouraged to go to college and were often shut out of opportunities in the workforce. She taught me that everyone—man or woman—had the potential to do anything.
There is more to be gained by realizing how alike we are rather than focusing on how different we may seem. The business executive and the line worker both have dreams, families, insecurities, and talents. There really isn’t a Them.
Difference-maker #1: It’s “Us.”
No one profits when a good or talented person is disregarded or diminished. Of course, it might happen, but it is not sustainable or smart. An intelligent manager leading a team will understand and overcome that.
Difference-maker #2: Reject becoming part of the “Them” victimization class.
Few of us are actual victims. If you claim to be one, are you gaining anything? Studies show people who feel sorry for themselves actually increase the amount of anxiety and stress in their lives.
Difference-maker #3: Look at the boss through a different lens.
They may not have the tools or experience to navigate the complexities of the business. Show your understanding and maybe help them see what you can do to help.
It’s the “Dark Side of Humans” that fosters the Us and Them mentality. Let’s refuse to play the game of stereotypes and judgment.
Podcasts I Recommend
Here are two great podcasts I recommend if you’re looking for inspiring business insights.
On the Get Down to Business Radio Show, top leaders and innovators share the strategies and insights that drive their success. Each episode provides actionable business advice, leadership lessons, and the stories behind impactful careers, helping listeners thrive in today’s dynamic marketplace.
This daily podcast delivers business insights, strategies for entrepreneurs, leadership lessons, and professional development, in addition to interviews with authors. The show’s mission is to educate and empower listeners with actionable skills and ideas in each episode.