Unfit for Corporate Life (Sometimes)
I’ve been working professionally since I turned 18 and I’ve recently had some time to reflect on my fifteen year journey with all of its twists and turns. Up until now I had been conflicted because I’ve always viewed myself as an entrepreneur down to the DNA-level but didn’t understand how I tolerated 12 years of working for a large corporation if this were truly the case.
What I began to realize is that my employer of 12 years, RadioShack, was not your typical Fortune 500 firm.
RadioShack, or rather Tandy Corporation, was founded by an unorthodox and rebellious entrepreneur, Charles Tandy. Charles ran his company under a culture that embraced unbridled entrepreneurialism. In fact, the most decorated veterans of Tandy’s company were those who broke all the rules. This unique culture remained entrenched within the Tandy/RadioShack organization well past Charles’ death in 1978. But when management recognized serious flaws in the company’s strategic plan in early 2004, the less-structured environment that attracted the entrepreneurial spirit began to fade. Within months, outside consulting firms such as McKinsey, Bain, and Accenture were brought in to re-structure the organization and install new management throughout. While this evolution was probably necessary in order to position RadioShack to compete within a new retail landscape, the effect was total alienation to folks like me who had enjoyed the freedom of truly leading our own operation.
What I’ve discovered is I do indeed thrive in less-structured environments. And while I absolutely love the thrill of running my own companies, I now know that I am still fit to work for other firms−even large corporations, provided they offer the type of environment that enables me to thrive.
So how are you wired? Have you discovered the optimal working environment and cultures that bring out your strengths?
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Dave Onkels (pronounced: /ON-kelz/) is an American entrepreneur and technologist, in his mid-thirties, living in the Dallas area with his wife and two daughters. Dave is the co-founder of 
Jake Good
on November 17th, 2008
I definitely work better in an unstructured, creative environment…
Working for large structured firms constrains me and makes me feel like a prisoner forced to chip away at the rocks… “Be quiet”… “You have 45 minutes for lunch”… “You should account for every minute of your day from 8am until 5pm”…
When I worked for an ad/marketing agency, it was very creative and fun… loose environment and lots of fantastic things came out of it. Great work was done and everyone’s attitude was happy… and guess what, people usually worked long hours and got more done… and didn’t mind it!
kyle steed
on November 17th, 2008
I like to think of myself as being very flexible when it comes to where I work, and who I work for. Maybe that’s the military training (but I highly doubt it). I’ve always been easy to get along with when it comes to meeting new people, and I like to take that approach in business as well.
While I’ve been employed now for over a year at a small, but growing, business I’ve had the chance to grow in my freedom of expression in my work. To me is was vital to have structure in the beginning and learn the processes of how things were done. But as time progressed and I learned those and understood them, then I was given more chances to take on projects of my own and even consult clients on my own.
I think all in all I enjoy structure but at the same time I love to draw outside the lines. It’s a fine blend of creativity with a dash of rigidness on the rocks.
JD Yates
on November 17th, 2008
I tend to agree with the unstructured philosophy. It’s important to foster individual thinking and creativity. Much more, especially, than requiring rigid adherence to bygone principles that only exist for the sake of establishment. However, as with all things, it’s best when you can find a happy medium that works well for the whole group. I haven’t had a 9-5 in nearly 3 years, and I cherish the flexibility that I enjoy now… but, on the other hand, I sometimes miss the focus that came from mind and body acquiring a consistent rhythm. Perhaps coworking is the solution?
Dave
on November 17th, 2008
JD, I think co-working is an excellent middle ground for entrepreneurs working outside of a traditional office environment. It offers the social component that revives our creativity and gives people the ability to learn best-practices from peers.
Kedaclawl
on December 19th, 2008
Действительно классная темка.