Fight Dissatisfaction!

There's been far too much ink spilt and money spent on getting people to change - to modify their conditions or their lives, to make themselves better than they are.  In reviewing this, I've realized there's a critical market not being served:  The people for who these individuals work, their spouses, their friends - anyone that somehow is a beneficiary of something that these people do.

This whole commitment to change thing is dangerous, you know.  People will start wanting to make their lives better and then start making their lives better.  You're aware of who loses out in that proposition, right?  You do.

That's why, as a public service, I've decided to help all those who want people to remain exactly where they are; those who wish to ensure that people keep their noses to the ground and their eyes on the dirt.  To you Overlords, great or petty, this is what you need to do to keep your people doing what you need them to do.

1)  Don't let them become dissatisfied:  This is one of the first signs that individuals are going to lurch towards the hard road of self transformation:  dissatisfaction.  That vague sense that gnaws at them that even though everything seems okay, something is wrong.  Terribly wrong, and they ought to fix it.

Fight these sensations. Keep them thinking about anything other than satisfaction.  Give them so much to do that they don't have time to think.  Occasionally indulge their little acts, so that the faint gleam of recognition will block out any sense that they are never recognized.  And for goodness sake, don't allow them to question "Is this all there is?"   If there's no question, there's no need to think about it.

2) Be oblivious:  The reality is that you as an Overlord (great or petty) have a great deal of work on your plate.  You're quite busy and important, you know.  Those that are around you, doing things to assist you in what you do, are really there to assist you in your climb to however you've defined success.  The last thing you need is a revolt in the middle of you campaign to greatness.

The easiest thing to do is be oblivious.  If you become too mired in details you're likely to start trying to understand what's going on, which both takes you away from your mission and may give others the idea that what they do is more important than it is.  Vague understanding is your friend here.  Frequently ask for updates.  Offer assistance without ever really giving any.  This has the benefit of keeping you "involved"  (oh, what a delightful word that is!) and gives the appearance that you're taking a more active role.  In the best of circumstances, people will believe you've actually started caring!

3) Occasionally crush them:  To all Overlords (great or petty), there's nothing quite as satisfying as exercising power over someone else.  At some level, it's why we all do what we do, right? 

Crushing people utterly reminds them of the fact that they're not nearly important as the rest of us.  You can't crush others too much, you understand:  that may work for the majority, but it will crystallize the internal workings of a minority, making them hard and focused to succeed.  Just an occasional dressing down ought to handle it.  And don't always insist on the full frontal assault either; sometimes just a lack of support at a critical moment will do more than 100 words spoken in anger.

4)  Insure they occasionally get recognized:  While occasionally crushing them is necessary, occasionally recognizing them is necessary as well.  If they're never recognized, they begin to wonder if this is true everywhere.  And if it's not true everywhere...you can see where this leads.

So occasionally recognize them.  Best if it's only in the confines of your local unit - business, family, chess club - lest they begin to feel too good about themselves and others begin to recognize their achievement (and worse, encourage it). 

Most importantly for this step, immediately go back to the way things were.  Don't dwell on the recognition.  If they begin to see ungrateful about something else, it's always helpful to remind them "Well, we did recognize you for....". 

5)  Don't let them question:  Don't let them question their situation.  Remind them that this is as good as it gets, that they are in fact successful and satisfied with their lives.  If they come to you with questions, play the willing ear.  Remind them that the world is a cold place and that they have it better than most.  Compliment them for their effort (of course), and give indications that with just a bit more effort, they can rise to the next level - maybe your level (they won't, of course, but no need to tell them that).

And never let them read!  Anything.  If they have to, let them keep to socially acceptable things like light fiction or popular literature - the sort of thing that is often discussed but rarely thought about.   Whenever asked, disincline them to read books about success or achievement.  If they must read such books, find ones that deal with them contributing to the whole rather than seeking personal change.  Books are dangerous things - it leads to thinking for themselves, asking questions and seeking change - all things we're trying to discourage, right?

Remember:  The dissatisfied are agents of change.  Agents of change are enemies to the success of those above them, who might be impacted. 

Keep them satisfied.   Keep them under control