One approach to problem-solving is to divide and conquer—breaking a massive project into smaller, manageable pieces to tackle them one by one. It’s a stellar strategy for tasks.
But when applied to people, “divide and conquer” takes on a malicious meaning. It isn’t about managing workloads; it’s about ensuring people are alienated, suspicious of one another, and operating from a place of fear.
In the workplace, using divide-and-conquer tactics against your own team is not a strategy. It is a defense mechanism used by insecure managers who lack true leadership skills. Instead of cultivating talent and fostering growth, they create an atmosphere of anxiety and divisiveness to mask their own failures.
Unfortunately, I currently find myself employed by an organization that permits this behavior. The owners operate through a rigid, top-down cultural framework where control overrides collaboration. Having grown up in an environment that fosters genuine leadership over mere management, I learned early on that leading by example is the gold standard. That is how I choose to show up in my daily life and my career.
Working under leadership that actively breeds negativity is a massive challenge. It makes my blood pressure boil, and I find myself constantly upset. But that frustration has ultimately led me to my next step.
Hitting a milestone like almost 59 brings a certain level of clarity. I’ve realized that absorbing this negativity is no way to live. Dealing with fear, chronic stress, and having to sit in my car in the office parking lot just to psych myself up to walk through the front door is not healthy at any stage of life—and it’s certainly not how I want to spend my time now. I am ready for calm, and I am ready for purpose.
So, I’ve started my own business. What began as a side hustle is rapidly becoming my priority. The choice ahead of me is clear, and the decision will be made very soon.
Schpilkes The Blog 