Amazingly bad corporate C.R.A.P.

Why are so many executives so amazed at so many common-place things?

Over the years here at C.R.A.P. (Corporate Rhetoric Awards Program) Central, we’ve identified many “syndromes” that drag down employee publications.

We’ve talked about the “Homicide Detective Syndrome,” where executives and managers who usually talk like normal people suddenly, when asked for an official quote, stiffen up and start talking like homicide detectives on the witness stand.

And we’ve talked about the “Julie From The Love Boat Syndrome,” where communicators feel like it’s their responsibility to be the social director at the organization—and keep track of every job switch, promotion, baby announcement and new hire.

But there’s one important syndrome we’ve never covered. It’s what I call the “Constant Amazement Syndrome.” This is where executives show constant amazement at very non-amazing things.

I’m sure you’ve seen this. Executives quoted in the employee publication are “amazed” by the amount of change in the industry; they are amazed at how innovative the company is; some of them are even amazed by the fact that yet another fiscal year is coming to a close.