Truth, Lies and Work 240. Starbucks’ CEO fail, toxic superstars and Dubai’s Wolf of Wall Street? PLUS! Is Maslow's hierarchy a myth?
Oct 14, 2025
Explore the curious phenomenon of breadcrumbing at work, where managers tease promotions but fail to deliver, undermining trust. Delve into Starbucks' new scripted customer service strategy, which may create disconnected interactions. Consider a daunting job in Dubai that demands 100 calls a day for a meager salary. Unpack the controversial relevance of Maslow's hierarchy of needs in modern motivation and discuss the challenges toxic superstars pose to team morale and how to tackle them effectively.
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Breadcrumbing Destroys Trust
- Breadcrumbing is when managers hint at promotions or raises but never follow through, which erodes trust and motivation.
- Small wins and transparent timelines maintain motivation better than vague promises.
Be Transparent About Career Paths
- Be honest and transparent if opportunities don't exist now; set realistic timelines and expectations.
- Offer stretch projects or job crafting to sustain development when promotions aren't available.
Scripted Service Feels Fake
- Starbucks' scripted 'Green Apron Service' risks creating fabricated empathy that customers can detect.
- Imposed rituals (eye contact, cup messages) may alienate neurodivergent staff and reduce authenticity.