"Gannett's Jewelry Division is still churning
out gold and precious gems to the company's
most loyal vassals."
-- Anonymous@2:26 p.m., commenting yesterday on Corporate's stunningly insensitive display of misplaced priorities -- the annual President's Ring awards. They're given this year even as Gannett discloses layoffs in Detroit, Tucson and elsewhere. Why not go for broke, Bob Dickey -- and award brass knuckles instead?
Anyone got a photo of one of these ring? Plus, how much do they cost? And who is the manufacturer; I'd like to do some more research. (It's likely Balfour Co., a major maker of this junk.)
ReplyDeleteCraig was spotted at the local Grocery, whacking on a gumball machine. No one had change for a hundred.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I've never gotten a closeup look at one of those rings.
I knew a Director that received one, years ago, But he left the company, mysteriously JUST before their position was eliminated. (they were given a heads-up, so says the theory).
In these troubled days, I consider an award of this sort a symbol of
the discordant, and ever widening gap between management, and those that actually make the product.
It's not the kind of status that builds trust.
Here's the President's Ring http://www.gannett.com/go/newswatch/
ReplyDelete2007/april/presring.jpg
Why do you feel the need to trash a company recognition program? Next thing you know you'll be trashing the unsung hero awards. Can anyone in this company do anything right in your eyes? Should they never have a layoff or do business differently and then just go out of business? Is everything tied to your anger over the company?
ReplyDelete6:47 am: This awards program is not about doing business differently (your words). This is about business as usual -- and that is unacceptable.
ReplyDeleteWhat's more, there's not a single person here who's a rank-and-file worker losing their job. How is it possible that "the best Gannett has to offer'' are all overpaid managers -- chief among them, Bob Dickey himself.
Finally, look at the man conferring the awards: Dickey, Mr. Playing Golf on the Shareholders' Dime (until, of course, he got caught). Dickey's association with the program alone ought to be a big red flag to anyone paying attention.
Unfortunately, you're not paying attention.
Let's see, 6:47 - my site has scrapped its employee recognition program and frozen raises, but group executives automatically receive the ring award, just for being there?
ReplyDeleteHow many of the rest of us will get a top award just for showing up?
Anything more interesting going on in Ibiza? I hope.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, our prepress office temp is a roaring 82 degrees because no one wants to spend the money to fix anything around here, oh and we have no windows. Luckily this fan on my desk is blowing hot air at my face so at least that's something. Isn't this how they kept the serfs at Pravda in line? Next we'll be queued up for toilet paper.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30278198&l=7bcd467f8b&id=1084194624
why was there a rumor a few years ago about the ring-awarding going away?
ReplyDeleteSince you asked, 8:43 am, there's quite a lot going on there. Much to my amazement, my new travel blog is already the ninth result when you type "gay men Ibiza" into Google. And I haven't even given the site its formal launch!
ReplyDeletePlease see: http://tinyurl.com/orv42x
Jim's post is right on the money. The rings are political and at a time of economy the contest could have been put on hold, just like the company pension and weeklong layoffs (i refuse to call them furloughs).
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ReplyDeleteI heard an HR director saying to a manager, "I need Vodka," when the first round of layoffs were announced last year. And this HR director just got a ring, how endearing...
ReplyDeleteThe ring program does seem out of touch considering the times we are in, but I guess it's recognition of the extra work these people put in, especially all the group directors getting one automatically --- for the new roles they've taken on. I have a few friends in these jobs and I can tell you, they didn't get more money for taking on more responsibility. It bugs me that management is so universally maligned on this blog -- I know lots of directors that work really hard and their people really like working for them. I also know more than one manager who was not happy when the rings were "going away" -- for most people in management with Gannett, the ring is recognition to strive for and they want that carrot to still be out there when they get into an eligible role.
ReplyDeleteAn employee recognition program is a good thing regardless of economic times. While many of us may look differently at the company being ex employees we have to acknowledge, there are still valuable, sincere and hard working people left at Gannett. Unfortunately, the ethics of many, effects how objective some of us can be. In addition, as many of us keep in touch with current employees it becomes painfully obvious what Managers, Sr. V.P.'s... motivation is. It's unfortunate and predictable that the futures of so many are balanced in so few people's arrogance and self-importance.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to all winners!
Amen, the rings are worthless trash that only recognize the best, most proficient ass kissers in the company. I have been nominated six times and had better numbers every time than people who won. You can always figure out who is supported by which region president. I don't think they even care what the results are they just award their favorites. That's what I've seen the last 27 years!
ReplyDelete6:47,
ReplyDeleteIt just boggles the mind that a company would give out payola to ANY of its managers when:
1: Revenue is down
2: Profits are down
3: The stock price is down
4: The dividend is down
5: The company foolishly bought back its own stock at sky-high prices.
6: The company foolishly didn't use most of its cash flow to pay off debt during the good times.
7: The company foolishly didn't sell itself or any of its properties for a premium during the good times.
8: The company shows zero knack for meaningful innovation or acquisitions.
9: Managers continue to churn out and promote horrendously bad programs.
10: The real heros deserving of bling are those workers who generate the content that attract all the subscribers, single-copy buyers and Web eyeballs; the ad salespeople who hustle more than most people know to sell contracts and space; and the circulation/delivery folks who loyally get the paper out on time while being paid 1970s-level mileage rates for the use of their car.
It used to be that while managers got rings the rest of us got "things." Like glassware, umbrellas, folding chairs, and coolers. I'd rather have something practical like that instead of a stupid ring that no one would ever wear. But that perk went away about four years ago.
ReplyDeleteI doubt anybody is against employee recognition programs. They're just against cutting such programs for the rank and file while maintaining them for executives who already make four times -- often much more than that -- what worker bees get.
ReplyDeleteOne could argue that a six figure salary during times like this is recognition enough.
I got a pen that says my paper's name on it!
ReplyDeleteIt writes and everything.
Hollywood should do a remake if this famous movie. But this time, it could be about Gannett's corporate execs, and the hourly worker bees:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037382/
Jim,
ReplyDeletePossibly it's time to consider focusing on the Ibiza site where you may have clicked upon an idea that will really fly. This site has become a lot like inane chatter at a cocktail party. I'm not intending to be mean spirited but instead simply trying to indicate my personal opinion of its potential value to both readers and to you. You gave Gannett a good ride but every day you're gone from USA Today makes you a little less valuable as its editor. Each day you become a little less capable of knowing how credible anything said by a contributor might be. On the other hand, my guess is Ibiza will remain current and vital to you forevermore.
The ring program is Gannett's answer to the Masonic Lodge. Masons/ring wearers trust and promote only each other. They have a secret handshake, capped off with a cheek bump. And on weekends they wear tassled fezzes and drive mini-cars in parades.
ReplyDelete11:52 am: Thank you; that's excellent advice -- some of which I'm already pursuing.
ReplyDeleteRegarding what 10:56 a.m. said -- we don't even get popcorn anymore!
ReplyDeleteThose bastards! You can cut the staffs bone thin, you can furlough everyone for two weeks, you can cut everyone's pay 5%, you draw up bogus charges to influence reviews, but the freaking line is drawn when they took away the damn popcorn.
ReplyDeleteMaybe things were different when I got mine back in '02. Certainly wasn't political, I worked my ass off because that was my job, not because I wanted a reward or recognition. And no, there was no money or promotion tied to it. Just more hard work until they laid me off after 20 years.
ReplyDeleteThe only way to end this madness is to get Dubow's ring and throw it into the Potomac....All must beware the King Witch of Martore.
ReplyDeleteRumor has it that corporate is dancing around touting the blog as DEAD. They are saying that your new Gay Man Hump Party Blog Ibiza Confidential will distract you and take you away from your hatred of Gannett.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree. Thanks for the ride Jim. Good luck.
2:58 pm: Tara Connell & Co. underestimated my resolve a year ago -- and lost.
ReplyDeleteI'm launching Ibiza Confidential to generate a more reliable income stream -- so I can keep Gannett Blog going.
I. Can't. Wait. To. Meet. Connell's. Replacement!
If Gannett deems local recognition programs cease then it only seems appropriate for the "corporate awards".
ReplyDeleteAt our location one of the winners works maybe 45 hours a week in the office and isn't available to the management staff 24/7 though the position should require availability. Many of the managers are working 60+ hours not including the 24/7 rule with a cell phone always by their side.
It's difficult as a manager to keep morale up while watching people struggle to meet their financial obiligations during the "layoffs".
It's the staff on the frontline which makes it happen every day.
President ring winners - your staff are the ones who made the awards possible.
Hopefully corporate will not hold the annual presentaion to possibly diminish further furloughs and operating expense.
The Pope gives out rings, too.
ReplyDeleteIt is the sign that the person is married to the church.
In Gannett's case it is more like the mob saying we own you.
It's all a crock. Like the McNugget awards that a select few got when I was working at USA Today. The underling support team was there for the 'Stars' to get their McNuggets. We got to lick the wrapper I guess by beaming in the glow of the McNugget winner.
Damn right I'm angry.
12:53 PM - You got popcorn? All we got/get is shit with corn in it!
ReplyDeleteThere are so few directors in some of the diciplines that pretty much the only qualification you needed to win a ring was to have survived the layoffs!
ReplyDeleteUsung Hero AWARD,!!!! Is another crock,just like the employee of the month scam. We all should be getting the UNSUNG HERO.Not just the few belly achers that jump up and down and say look at me,Or for kissing the right butt
ReplyDeleteJim, I sent you comments at about 6:00 defending the ring program. Why didn't you post it? If you didn't get it I will send again. Please respond confidential to abc. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteJim: How about getting a case of ring pops and have them delivered to corporate so they will have a supply for next years winners with a little note attached saying " SUCK THESE"
ReplyDeleteMany top folks agree with ring thoughts. Just try to do something about them.
ReplyDelete8:48 pm: I believe I saw that comment, and I rejected it as inappropriate.
ReplyDeleteDennis Host the man of rings. Bill Albrecht not so much. To bad Bill your just not that good. Dennis is real good.
ReplyDelete9:52 AM - Exactly. WTF has this HR director done to deserve a ring?
ReplyDeleteSome of those rings cost as much as $2,000 a piece.
ReplyDelete