North Star Writers Group

Let me start by saying that whenever a new project or opportunity is presented to me, I always embrace it. I have an open mind, an open heart and I try to learn from every experience. So about a year ago, when my company came up with the idea to have corporate book clubs, I was all about it.

‘What a fantastic way to learn from others,’ I thought. “I’m sure I’ll gain amazing insight that helps me do my job,” I said to myself. I read the first book. I enjoyed it. In nerd-like fashion, I even put little Post-It flags on all the important pages. I was prepared.

Now, 10 months later, I just hope it goes away.

But I did learn something. I am a book club snob. My first book club, in college, was of a highly academic nature. We read books about the Kennedy conspiracy, and spent hours debating. After I moved to a new city, I joined a liberal women’s book club. More conspiracies. More debate.

I moved again, and this time, joined an online book club with some of my old college friends. This one was quite eclectic. We shifted – gracefully, I might add – from “The Lexus the Olive Tree” to “Marley and Me”, but there was something about the absence of camaraderie that made me leave, seeking a face-to-face alternative.

I soon found it. And it’s a good one. We’re all busy moms with jobs, who rarely spend time away from our cubicles or our kids – not because we’re tied to them, but because we actually enjoy them. The jobs. The kids. The “dream” of having it all, even though the dream can sometimes prove more of a nightmare. We read and talk about what it’s like to be a woman in Iraq. And talk about our sanity, and what helps us keep – and sometimes, regain – it.

And then, it’s back to the corporate book club. First, there is no wine or Triscuit crackers with cheese. Strike one against the corporate book club. Second, there are no debates. I mean, who can argue with a sales guru who says that voicemails and phone calls shouldn’t be boring. Excuse the expression, but, “Duh!” It’s also hard to argue with a corporate culture guru who says large companies need to embrace the power of user-driven online media. If “duh” had an adjective, I would use it here.

Remember, three strikes and you’re out. That was two. And it’s pretty easy to come up with a third. Take your pick:

1. Half the club has more important meetings to attend. No, not just ones they imagine are more important. Ones that actually are much more important.

2. We’re already working 10-hour days, or more. We don’t want to read something that makes us think about work when we’re not there.

3. We’re wearing business clothes.

4. There are no couches or oversized pillows or armrests.

5. No cheese. No drinks. Oh wait, I already said that!

So, companies of the world, I implore you. Forbid such forced socialization. Rather, hire employees who naturally seek the counsel of other experts, in other departments, when they need to and aren’t too proud to do so. Be brave! Eliminate your corporate book clubs. Instead, encourage employees to come up with their own “aha!” ideas for change and improvement. And actually use some of them.

Finally, keep in mind that when I’m in a book club, I’d rather be learning to run my life, not my sales force. I’d rather laugh out loud – a lot. I’d rather decide to do something about a social injustice – with other people who are passionate about it, too. I’d rather talk with people from other companies who really can share insight on how to do things differently.

And I’ll admit, it helps that they can also tell me how to get apple juice out of yellow fabric. Now that’s a tip I can really use – as soon as I get home, as a matter of fact!

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This is Column # CD060. Request permission to publish here.