On a sunny afternoon, I had dinner with a big brother in the industry. The big guy is humorous and witty, so that we are all intoxicated by his words. Suddenly, he uttered a golden sentence that made people feel empowered: "Formalism is a test of the loyalty of superiors to subordinates, and it is also a performance of subordinates' obedience to superiors." ”
This sentence is like a mirror, allowing us to peek into the subtle emotions between superiors and subordinates through the various phenomena of formalism. In the organization, formalism is like an invisible theater where everyone plays their role.
Formalism is a test of loyalty from superiors to subordinates. Just as a puppy hears its owner's instructions and immediately executes and shows a submissive attitude, formalism allows subordinates to show loyalty to their superiors in the face of orders and regulations. This loyalty is not only reflected in the quality of the completion of work tasks, but also in the performance of obedience of subordinates to superiors.
Formalism is also a performance of subordinate subordination to superiors. Under the framework of formalism, subordinates need to perform tasks in strict accordance with regulations and processes to show respect and obedience to superiors. This performative behavior makes the relationship between superiors and subordinates like a ritual, emphasizing both the authority of the superior and the obedience of the subordinate.
Formalism is like a double-edged sword, which can not only deepen the understanding and trust of superiors and subordinates, but also cause fatigue and alienation on both sides. When formalism is overemphasized, it can become a pressure that makes subordinates perform for the sake of performance, losing their true selves; It also allows superiors to ignore the differences and needs of individual employees in the process of testing loyalty and obedience.
Formalism, like a mirror, reflects loyalty and obedience in the relationship between superiors and subordinates. However, how to maintain our true self in front of this mirror, how to find the balance between work and the individual in formalism, is a question that each of us needs to think about. Because in the end, we hope that behind the formalism, we see the true talent and ability of employees, and feel their sincere respect and trust.
On this stage, we are both subordinate to the loyalty test and inferior to the obedience performance. We need to be rational with formalism, both respecting rules and showing our true selves. Everyone should be a director in their own life and work, not a puppet led by formalism.
For superiors, formalism is not a means of oppression and control, but a way to establish team norms and improve execution. While emphasizing formalism, we should pay more attention to the personality and needs of employees, give them full space to play, and let formalism become the driving force for team progress.
For subordinates, in the face of formalism, they need to maintain the ability to think independently, both to complete tasks as required, and to fully demonstrate their talents. Subordinates should understand their own strengths and weaknesses through formalism, and then continuously improve their professional ability and comprehensive quality.
Formalism is not a beast, as long as we treat it rationally and find a good balance, it can become a mirror that reflects the true face of our work and life. On the stage of formalism, let us not only show loyalty and obedience, but also maintain self-independence and creativity, and finally achieve harmonious coexistence between individuals and teams.
In this process, we will also gradually understand that formalism is not the end, but a process and a means that can help us find our place and value in the relationship between superiors and subordinates, and make our work and life more fulfilling and meaningful.