More Tongue-in-Cheek from Despair.com

What better way to ring in the New Year than with some new words of wisdom from Despair, Inc., an Austin, Texas company I first mentioned in a 2004 Corner. Founder E.L. Karston, PhD is still having fun spoofing the ubiquitous motivational posters and plaques that sometimes substitute for effective management in today's business world.

There are a number of new additions to the current catalog. One of my favorites, on Irresponsibility, notes that "No single rain drop ever believes that it is to blame for the flood". In a related vein, the poster for Teamwork says "A few harmless flakes working together can unleash an avalanche of destruction". And, the classic on Flattery observes that "If you want to get to the top, be prepared to kiss a lot of bottom".

Their web site www.despair.com is filled with ironic posters, note cards, sticky pads, and even Valentine's Day candies featuring sardonic slogans. You can also make your own custom calendar from your favorite twelve sayings. A new series of audio and video podcasts and demotivational digital video clips make the same black humor available in modern multimedia format. [Try the clip on Handling Employee Complaints.]

If you're feeling skeptical about the value of pop psychology in the workplace or just in a dour mood, browsing through the tongue-in-cheek world of Despair.com may be just enough to bring a faint smile to your face!